Türkiye plans AFAD-style central firefighting agency after Bolu fire tragedy
A view of the damage from a fire that broke out at a hotel in the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Resort in Bolu, Türkiye on January 21, 2025. Fire was borught under control after about 10 hours of intervention. (AA Photo)
In the wake of the Grand Kartal hotel fire in Bolu‘s Kartalkaya Ski Center, Türkiye has initiated efforts to establish a centralized firefighting agency modeled after the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Jan. 21, claimed the lives of 78 people, most of them children, and injured 51 others.
Twelve individuals, including Bolu Deputy Mayor Sedat Gulener, Acting Fire Department Chief Kenan Coskun, the hotel owner, the company’s general manager, and the hotel manager, have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
A team comprising six prosecutors, four chief inspectors, and seven technical experts has been assigned to investigate the incident.
The tragedy has brought attention to gaps in fire safety regulations, enforcement, and response coordination across Türkiye.
Proposal for centralized firefighting agency
Following the incident, ruling AK Party officials announced plans to create a central firefighting authority similar to AFAD to ensure faster response times and better coordination during fires according to the Turkish media report.
“Firefighting services are currently under the responsibility of provincial, municipal, and district authorities, depending on the region. However, the increasing complexity of fire risks, such as industrial zones, high-rise buildings, and forest fires, has made a centralized system essential,” AK Party officials stated.
The proposed agency would not only oversee firefighting vehicles but also manage air support with planes and helicopters, operate a centralized monitoring system, and deploy drones for continuous surveillance of forested areas.
The plan also includes the formation of rapid response units to handle fires in remote areas.
Legislative efforts expected to begin soon
Preparations for the new agency are set to begin after the reopening of the Turkish Parliament.
The details of the initiative will be outlined in a draft law to be introduced in the coming weeks.
Enhanced safety standards for hotels
In addition to the centralized firefighting agency, AK Party officials have emphasized the need for stricter safety measures for hotels.
Discussions include requiring hotels to maintain specific emergency equipment, establish dedicated safety units, and meet construction material standards based on fire safety regulations.
“Hotels with over 50 rooms should be required to implement advanced fire safety infrastructure in line with their construction materials,” party representatives suggested, noting that noncompliance would carry significant penalties.
