İzmir Disaster Warns: Flammable Buildings Set Cities on Fire

The ongoing fires in Izmir, approaching the city center, have once again brought the warnings of experts on building safety and fire precautions to the agenda. Altınbaş University Civil Engineering Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sepanta Naimi drew attention to the measures to be taken in building inspections in order to prevent the fires in Izmir from spreading further in the city. Assoc. Prof. Naimi associates the reasons for the spread of fires to the city with both natural conditions and inadequate fire safety of buildings.

The fires that have been raging in Izmir for days have raised important questions not only about nature but also about building safety in the city. While the flames spread rapidly due to strong winds, they posed a great threat by approaching residential areas. This situation made us question again how adequate the buildings are in terms of fire safety. Altınbaş University Civil Engineering Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sepanta Naimi drew attention to the building safety measures to be taken regarding the spread of fires to the city. Assoc. Prof. Naimi emphasized that flammable insulation materials used especially on the exterior facades of buildings increase the fire risk of forests close to the city and reminded once again how critical building inspections are in this regard.

Attention to the exterior materials of buildings close to forests!

Sepanta Naimi stated that one of the most important factors in the rapid spread of fires is the flammable insulation materials used on the facades of buildings:

“In settlements close to forested areas, such materials make it easier for fire to reach the city and spread rapidly. Lack of fire safety planning and inappropriate material selection, especially in high-rise buildings, increase the impact of such disasters. Fireproof materials should be used in the exterior cladding of buildings. In addition, this issue should not be ignored in building inspections. Fire-resistant roofing materials can also prevent the rapid spread of fires.”

“In areas close to the city, afforestation with late-flammable tree species and forest clearing are also essential”

Another important reason for the rapid spread of fires in the city is the lack of protection and clearing of forests close to the city. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naimi stated that in order to prevent forest fires from spreading to residential areas, these areas should be regularly cleaned and that afforestation with late-flammable tree species in areas close to the city can also reduce the risk of fire.

Stating that the measures to be taken on fire safety should not only be limited to the physical characteristics of the buildings, but also fire safety systems should be regularly checked and fire drills should be held frequently, Naimi emphasized the importance of raising awareness of citizens on this issue.

“Various extinguishing and preventive systems are available”

Naimi reminded that various systems are used in buildings and structures to increase fire suppression and safety, “These include fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, fire escapes and exits. There are also preventive systems such as water tanks for fire, smoke evacuation systems, emergency lighting, fire training and drills. These measures are taken to increase the safety of building occupants and employees. These systems may differ according to the structure and intended use of each building. If we want to pay attention to technological and structural equipment in fire safety, automatic fire extinguishing systems can also be used. These systems include various options such as sprinkler systems, foam and dry chemical extinguishing systems, gas extinguishing systems.”

“Fire safety planning is mandatory, especially for high-rise buildings”

When we look at building inspections and regulations, there are also regulations for fire safety and standards in Türkiye, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sepanta Naimi from Altınbaş University, “Türkiye Building Earthquake Regulations in Türkiye, such as Türkiye Fire Protection Regulations are included in the regulations. It is mandatory to comply with regulations on fire safety. Fire safety planning is mandatory, especially for high-rise buildings. These plans include automatic fire extinguishing systems, emergency exit routes and other safety measures. In terms of building safety and maintenance, the fire safety systems of buildings must be regularly maintained and checked.”