24.01.2025 00:20
The report prepared by the Bolu Municipality Fire Department regarding the fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel, which claimed the lives of 78 of our citizens, has been completed. According to the report, the fire broke out in the restaurant area on the 4th floor of the hotel building. The report states that the first notification was received at 03:30, and that the fire department teams arrived at the scene at 04:24.
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The report prepared by the Bolu Municipality Fire Department regarding the fire disaster that devastated Turkey has been completed.
FIRST REPORT RECEIVED AT 03:30, INTERVENTION AT 04:24
A preliminary report regarding the fire has been prepared by the Bolu Municipality Fire Department. The report states that the first report was received at 03:30, and after the fire brigade teams set out with 11 vehicles and 30 personnel, they reached the scene at 04:24 after covering a distance of 42 kilometers. The report indicates that 500 tons of water were used in the extinguishing efforts, and it included the following statements regarding the cause of the fire and the events that occurred:
THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE KITCHEN/RESTAURANT SECTION ON THE 4TH FLOOR
"Based on the statements of the hotel staff who first intervened in the fire and the eyewitnesses, as well as the examinations conducted by us, it has been determined that the fire started from the kitchen/restaurant section located on the 4th floor. In enclosed area fires, before elements such as glass breaking and door opening, which would provide air support, occur, the burning of easily flammable materials such as wood and plastic that constitute the fire load generally results in a low rate of heat, hot smoke, and flame spread. For these reasons, the fire causes very high heat and destruction. The starting point of the fire is clearly understood based on the findings made.
"NO INTENT FOUND"
Additionally, it is inevitable for heat, smoke, and flames to move upwards according to the laws of physics. In line with these indicators, it is understood that the 3rd floor is not the starting point of the fire, but only suffered from the spread, and therefore sustained less damage. Due to the extensive damage in the hotel building, it is recommended that any findings indicating intent be evaluated by an expert."
"MORE THAN 50 CITIZENS RESCUED FROM WINDOWS"
The report states that more than 50 people were rescued from the hotel's windows by a laddered fire truck, and 1 person was rescued using a jump mattress. "When we arrived at the scene, it was observed that the Grand Kartal Hotel was burning with flames. The fire was extinguished by us. More than 50 citizens were evacuated from the windows of their rooms using a laddered vehicle from the front facade of the hotel. Due to the snowy road and loose ground, access to the rear facade of the building with a laddered vehicle and water tanker was not possible, so 1 citizen was rescued and evacuated using a jump mattress. Search and rescue operations began on all floors starting from the lobby area of the building, and citizens who were missing in the rooms, stair landings, and corridors on each floor were identified and evacuated by us. The entire hotel building has become unusable due to the fire. An official letter was sent to the Bolu Provincial Health Directorate regarding the number of dead and injured, but no response has been received. Information published in national and local media has been processed into the relevant section of the form. The evacuation of missing and injured citizens was carried out together with the fire brigade teams, AFAD personnel, Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) teams, UMKE teams, and NGOs that came to support the fire. The fire was cooled by us, and after necessary checks, the scene was handed over to the 112 gendarmerie teams and 112 gendarmerie crime scene investigation teams, and we returned to the center. For security purposes, 2 vehicles and 4 personnel were left at the scene. As a continuation of the report, a report numbered 64/1 has been prepared."
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