Fire regulations overhauled in Türkiye following Kartalkaya hotel 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. (AA Photo)
Fire safety regulations in Türkiye are being revised following the deadly fire in Kartalkaya that claimed 78 lives.
The new legislation aims to strengthen fire response infrastructure and implement stricter safety measures across various sectors according to a report by CNBC-e.
Central firefighting authority to be established
A central firefighting authority will be created to improve coordination and emergency response.
This organization will oversee a new, well-equipped fire response fleet and ensure that all regional fire departments operate under a unified structure.
Each province will have a local office, and fire intervention will be tailored to specific geographical and environmental conditions, including mountainous and forested areas.
Stricter safety measures for businesses and industrial zones
Under the revised fire regulations, hotels, industrial zones, and major enterprises will be required to meet stricter fire safety criteria.
New preventive measures will be implemented based on natural conditions and building structures to allow for early intervention.
Parliamentary committee to investigate fire
A parliamentary committee has been formed to investigate the Kartalkaya fire and determine responsibilities.
The 22-member commission, which will operate for three months, has been given the authority to conduct investigations outside Ankara. It will assess the circumstances leading to the tragedy and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal reforms to strengthen fire response
Amendments to the Forest and Climate Change Law will clarify responsibilities and strengthen fire response mechanisms.
The newly established central firefighting authority will coordinate directly with municipal fire departments, ensuring a streamlined approach to emergency situations.
Mandatory early warning systems and stricter compliance
Fire-prone materials will be more strictly regulated, and all high-risk facilities, including hotels, factories, and large businesses, will be required to employ trained fire safety personnel.
The new regulations will also mandate early warning systems to be installed in designated areas to minimize the risk of future disasters. Failure to comply with these measures will result in increased penalties.
