Fire spread rapidly up the façade of a Melbourne apartment building. The fire analysis and subsequent Victorian audit exposed the need to identify the actual cladding system and its compliance evidence across existing buildings.
Locate this case on the globe →Findings and evidence status
Rapid façade spread
The Victorian Cladding Taskforce summarised the Metropolitan Fire Brigade analysis: combustible aluminium composite panel cladding with a polyethylene core contributed to fire load and rapid vertical spread.
Read the primary record ↗Beyond one building
The taskforce found that 85 of 168 building permits in the initial VBA audit were assessed as non-compliant with the National Construction Code. An audit result is not the same as a finding of immediate danger at every building.
Read the primary record ↗Evidence gaps
The taskforce reported that design drawings and specifications were often insufficient to determine compliance. The as-built product, extent of installation and risk rationale needed further assessment.
Read the primary record ↗One case. Three lines of sight.
Questions for current buildings, inferred from this case. Check local requirements and the building’s actual condition.
Engineer
Can the actual external wall assembly and extent of installation be identified from as-built evidence, sampling and competent assessment rather than assumed from the drawing?
Fire protection contractor
Record product identity and location for any opening, repair or replacement of façade panels. Preserve test documents and discrepancies for review.
Brigade
Where a façade risk is being assessed or rectified, what verified building information and interim arrangements are available to operational crews?
What has to connect
As-built façade map; product and sampling evidence; assessment; regulator correspondence; interim measures and verified rectification.
Changes and response
The Victorian Building Authority began an external wall cladding audit after Lacrosse. The 2017 taskforce described its initial scope and findings and called for a broader risk-based process.
Check current status ↗The regulator states that its role in the Statewide Cladding Audit has concluded and responsibility for completion transferred to Cladding Safety Victoria and councils. This is a program status, not a claim that all affected buildings are rectified.
Check current status ↗Reviewed 28 September 2026. Legal and inquiry status can change; use the linked authority for the latest position.