THE image of Grenfell Tower engulfed in flames is one we will never be able to wipe from our minds.

The stories of people choosing to jump from the upper floors and mothers tossing their babies from windows are harrowing almost beyond words.

The charred shell that remain gives an idea of the ferocity of the blaze.

It was terrifying to witness – especially for those who live in similar high-rise buildings. The investigation into the cause and how the fire managed to spread so quickly will take weeks if not months.

But what must be done immediately is to make sure high-rise blocks are as safe as they possibly can be.

And this means making sure they are equipped with sprinkler systems.

All new blocks have to have them so why should older council stock be allowed to go without?

Brighton and Hove City Council is planning to install sprinkler systems in the city’s high rises but in some cases this will not be until 2039.

This is not good enough. We all know money is tight. But it has to be found from somewhere.

There is speculation the fire was caused by a faulty fridge in a flat on floor four.

If that can happen in London then it can happen here. Understandably residents at St John’s Mount in Brighton were terrified when we visited yesterday.

There is no time to waste on this. The council must do whatever it needs to do to ensure the sprinkler systems are installed soon. We cannot have a repeat of what has happened in West London.