10.04.2025 10:51
Academics providing information to the TBMM Kartalkaya Hotel Fire Investigation Commission highlighted that an earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher that could occur in Istanbul might pose a fire risk simultaneously in 500 natural gas service boxes. Experts called for urgent measures for historical buildings and industrial areas.
The TBMM Kartalkaya Hotel Fire Investigation Commission continues its work in the Parliament. In the last meeting, the fire risk in Istanbul was discussed in detail.
According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, academics Dr. Ali Derdar Gültek and Dr. Uğur Emre Temelli from Istanbul University provided important information to the members of parliament regarding the fire risk in the megacity.
"FIRE CAN START SIMULTANEOUSLY IN 500 BOXES"
Dr. Gültek emphasized that natural disasters can trigger each other, pointing out that a potential earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher expected in Istanbul carries the risk of simultaneously igniting fires in 500 natural gas service boxes.
JOINT PROJECTS FOR RISKY AREAS
Stating that various preparations and investments have been made in this area since 1999, Gültek expressed that they have been conducting joint studies with the Istanbul Fire Department in areas densely populated with hotels, residences, and business centers, such as Şişli, Maslak, and İkitelli.
OFFICIALS UNAWARE OF SYSTEMS
Gültek mentioned that many fire extinguishing and detection systems have been left to their fate after installation, saying, "The manager or technical person who toured the building with us reacted by saying, 'Did we have such a system?'"
SEVERE DANGER IN THE HISTORICAL PENINSULA
Gültek pointed out that the wooden structure stock in the Historical Peninsula poses a significant fire risk, stating that there is a damage assessment simulation developed by Boğaziçi University in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for potential fires that may occur after an earthquake.
"THERE IS NOT EVEN A FIRE WALL"
Gültek noted that fires that may break out after a potential earthquake could cause severe damage to the national economy, revealing that in inspections conducted about 10 years ago in 60 large factories, not even a simple fire wall was found.
He also added that in 70% of the factories they examined, the detection systems were not operational, and almost all of the lighting systems were faulty.
EMERGENCY MEASURES ARE ESSENTIAL
Dr. Uğur Temelli stated that intervention and protection become extremely difficult in the event of a fire in historical buildings, saying, "The usage purpose of these structures has diversified. In each case of use, such as residential, school, and museum, the fire load and risk have increased."
Recalling the fires that occurred in historical sites in Istanbul, Temelli said, "Fires here are not a reversible risk. It is a process that requires special attention."
Temelli emphasized that establishing a national fire data system is an urgent need, stating, "Fire regulations should be developed, workplaces and residences should be separated, and a Fire Safety Coordination Center and a National Fire Laboratory should be established."