The critical detail regarding the burning hotel was revealed by TMMOB: The mandatory system was not implemented.

A fire that broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya at 03:30 turned into a disaster. In the hotel where a life-threatening situation occurred, 66 people lost their lives, and 51 others were injured.

TMMOB: THE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN 2008 WAS NOT INSTALLED

In a statement made by the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) regarding the fire, it was emphasized that the hotel did not comply with regulations; "It can be seen in the photos on the hotel's website that the automatic sprinkler system that should have been installed in 2008 was not implemented. Due to the lack of this system, the fire spread rapidly, resulting in loss of life. Additionally, it is unknown whether the closet system, detection and warning systems, escape routes, and their features mentioned in Section 10 of the current regulation were adhered to. However, considering the statements of our citizens who survived the fire, it is understood that the detection and warning systems did not work, and escape routes could not be identified," it was stated.

The following statements were made in the announcement by TMMOB:

"IT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE THAT FIRE SAFETY MEASURES WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TAKEN IN THE FACILITY"

"This morning, a fire broke out in a facility located in Kartalkaya Ski Center for an undetermined reason, and according to initial determinations, 10 of our citizens have lost their lives, and 32 of our citizens have been injured. We extend our condolences to the relatives of all our citizens who lost their lives in this tragedy and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. A fire is a disaster that cannot be predicted when and where it will start and how long it will last. The only thing that needs to be done is to take and implement all necessary precautions by fulfilling the requirements of science and technology. It deeply saddens us that such accidents, which could be prevented with engineering solutions, periodic maintenance and inspections, have resulted in fatalities. Considering the purposes and conditions of use, general risk contents, the tasks that employees and guests will perform during a fire, and life safety measures, hotels differ from other class buildings and structures. Fire safety techniques also include methods to prevent an uncontrollable fire from starting and to reduce its development and effects once it has started. While the occurrence of fire in buildings cannot be completely prevented, possible losses can be minimized by taking necessary precautions to protect life safety. Although the cause of the fire will be revealed as a result of investigations, it is clearly seen that adequate fire safety measures were not taken in the facility where the fire occurred, regardless of the initial cause, even from the number of casualties.

"IT IS OBSERVED THAT THE REQUIRED SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED"

The Grand Kartal Hotel, located in Kartalkaya Ski Center, has a hotel capacity of 161 rooms and 350 beds, excluding its employees, and is known to be 26 years old. According to the regulation on the protection of buildings from fire, the hotel is classified as an 'existing building' and is subject to the provisions of Section 10 of the regulation (between Articles 138 and 167). In existing buildings, the obligation for a sprinkler system is stated in Article 165 (ç); 'ç) In hotels, guesthouses, and lodgings with more than two floors and a bed count exceeding 200.' This means that in the existing building class hotel with 350 beds, there is an obligation for an automatic sprinkler system that prevents and extinguishes the spread of fire when a fire breaks out. It can be seen in the photos on the hotel's website that the automatic sprinkler system that should have been installed in 2008 was not implemented. Due to the lack of this system, the fire spread rapidly, resulting in loss of life. Additionally, it is unknown whether the closet system, detection and warning systems, escape routes, and their features mentioned in Section 10 of the current regulation were adhered to. However, considering the statements of our citizens who survived the fire, it is understood that the detection and warning systems did not work, and escape routes could not be identified. It is known that expert engineers provide services in the field of project design for fire and fire extinguishing systems. As the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects, we have been loudly stating for years that the projects that should be drawn by expert engineers must be inspected in a disciplined manner to ensure compliance with the regulation and whether the implementation is carried out according to the project. We also express the necessity of periodic public inspections of the systems that have been implemented. However, the painful picture we are experiencing today shows that those who eliminate the inspection authority of our Chambers have done nothing but respond to the needs of capital while closing their ears to the realities of science and technology.

"TECHNICAL DIRECTORATES IN BUSINESSES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTROLS OF EQUIPMENT"

The responsible parties for the loss of lives are none other than the institutions and organizations that failed to perform their inspection duties and the capital owners who refrained from taking security measures due to profit motives. The 'Health and Safety Conditions Regulation for the Control of Work Equipment' published in 2013 mandates that periodic inspections of fire installations must be conducted once a year. The relevant facilities fall under this regulation. Additionally, electrical installations and ventilation systems must also be legally subject to inspection within the same scope. Since the implementation of the legislation can only be ensured through necessary inspections, the lack of inspections in our country has once again come to light. Our Chambers, which prioritize public safety, have been trying to protect life and property safety for years through the services they provide and the events they organize. Furthermore, technical directorates in businesses are responsible for the controls of these equipment. It should be ensured that personnel working as technical directors in businesses are registered with the relevant professional chamber and have obtained the necessary permits for the work they carry out, and these documents should be inspected.

While the maintenance personnel in the business must be competent, all technical personnel in the business must also be competent. The inspection and cleaning of the kitchen exhaust filters, the inspection and cleaning of the chimneys are preventive approaches against fire incidents. Therefore, it is extremely important that these controls are being carried out and monitored in order to prevent loss of life and property. In this regard, our Chambers are ready for duty.

"WE WILL CONTINUE OUR STRUGGLE UNTIL ALL RESPONSIBLE PARTIES RECEIVE THE NECESSARY PUNISHMENT IN THE EYES OF THE LAW"

We extend our condolences to the relatives of our citizens who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured citizens. We reiterate our call to the relevant institutions; however, these disasters can be prevented through legal regulations and public oversight. As long as there are institutions managed by a political understanding that does not fulfill their duties, is unaware of each other, and ignores the reports of professional chambers and the statements of scientists, our people will continue to lose their lives. As the bright faces of this country, engineers, and architects, we will follow up on this painful event that has devastated our city and our entire country, and we will continue our struggle until all responsible parties receive the necessary punishment in the eyes of the law."