The increasing frequency of forest fires is deeply troubling for citizens, and the destruction they cause is truly heartbreaking. Fires break out every 21 minutes, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action.
Why have fires increased in recent years, and what can be done to prevent them? Prof. Dr. Fahri Erenel, a faculty member at Istinye University (ISU) and a Disaster and Emergency Specialist, sheds light on the current situation regarding fires. Both globally and locally, we have seen a significant rise in prolonged fire incidents, particularly in recent years. Some experts attribute this increase to rising temperatures linked to climate change, while others argue that human activity is the primary cause. What, then, is the source of these fires? What precautions should we take? How should we approach fire response and evacuation? Prof. Dr. Erenel addresses these questions, stating:
According to the Data There is a Fire Every 21 Minutes
"There is no doubt that global warming and the rise in extreme weather events, coupled with human factors, play a significant role," Prof. Dr. Erenel explained regarding the sources of these fires. He elaborated, "Every delay in meeting the requirements of carbon emissions and climate conventions manifests as nature's retaliation in the form of fires, floods, and landslides. The transformation of forest areas into settlements, errors in forest area allocation, lack of maintenance and oversight of energy transmission lines, and unplanned urbanization all contribute to the increasing severity of these disasters. Additionally, issues such as stubble burning, inadequate training, carelessness, and the tendency to keep disaster and emergency plans merely on paper exacerbate the situation.
Data from the Istanbul Fire Brigade reveals that in 2023, 32 percent of fires were caused by unextinguished cigarette butts, matches, lighters, stove and barbecue fires, spark splashes, and children playing with fire. Misuse of heat sources ranks second in causes of fires. The alarming statistic indicates that a fire occurs every 21.6 minutes. This data underscores the significant role of human factors in fire incidents. Globally, human activity is responsible for the majority of fires, with only 4 percent attributed to natural causes. Field studies and published reports predict an increase in the frequency and severity of forest fires worldwide. Furthermore, research by the United Nations Environment Program suggests that extreme forest fires could rise by 14 percent by 2030, 30 percent by 2050, and 50 percent by 2100. The General Directorate of Forestry's statistics reflect a similar trend in our country, showing an increase in the number and frequency of fires across the nation, which stretches the limits of our response capacity and complicates the focus of firefighting teams."
Disaster and Emergency Specialist Prof. Dr. Fahri Erenel
We Should Cultivate the Habit of Keeping Fire Extinguishers in our Homes
He also highlighted that it is possible to prevent these fires through the effective use of technology. "In our country, the application of existing technology in disaster management is on the rise, and systems are being established for this purpose."
Remote sensing technologies, satellite systems, UAVs, cameras, sensors, forest fire early warning systems, meteorological warning systems, fire management systems, smart forest capsules, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence are among the technologies being utilized today. In homes and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it is crucial to install household fire alarm systems and natural gas leak warning systems, conduct regular maintenance checks, and cultivate the habit of keeping and using fire extinguishers.
Evacuation Plans Should be Developed Alongside Intervention Strategies
Regarding evacuation procedures in the event of a fire, Prof. Dr. Erenel advises:
"Evacuation should begin in the areas closest to the fire and where the danger is greatest. Plans for evacuation must be formulated concurrently with intervention strategies. Residents should be informed in advance about how to respond during an evacuation, which safe areas to move to, and what actions to take. First and foremost, vehicle traffic should be restricted, and improper parking must be addressed. Strict measures, particularly prohibiting vehicles from using emergency response routes, should be enforced against those who park illegally.
Combustion occurs when sufficient oxygen combines with combustible materials. If it spirals out of control, it results in a fire. Therefore, it is critical to intervene at the combustion stage. The combustion triangle, which describes the relationship between oxygen and combustible materials, must be disrupted. Essentially, if one side of the triangle is removed, the fire can be prevented before it escalates. For example, covering a person who is on fire with a blanket can cut off their oxygen supply. Conversely, if a person is on fire, rolling on the ground can help reduce contact with oxygen.
Moreover, opening a window in a room where a fire has started can introduce more oxygen, rapidly escalating the situation. It is advisable that individuals other than professional firefighting and search-and-rescue teams stay clear of the fire area during such emergencies. The asphyxiating gases, particularly carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), released during a fire can pose serious health risks. The use of air-supplied masks should be considered. Those living near forest areas should prepare essential items in advance, such as emergency bags, food and water, medications, and valuables.
When extinguishing efforts conclude in a fire-affected area, Prof. Dr. Erenel emphasizes that "ecological, economic, and technical analyses should be conducted by expert teams." He asserts that damage assessments and restoration plans must be outlined.
Measures That Can Be Taken to Prevent Fires
Prof. Dr. Erenel suggests the following:
• Increase inspections and penalties.
• Promote a culture of safety starting from kindergartens and extending to households.
• Provide training on fire safety to prisoners and detainees.
• Form intervention teams from inmates in open prisons, and establish incentive programs, such
as penalty reductions, based on their performance.
• We often see vehicle drivers carelessly throwing their cigarette butts out of their windows without extinguishing them. A drive across the Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul is enough to witness this troubling behavior, where countless discarded cigarette butts can be spotted. These butts significantly contribute to the risk of forest fires and the ignition of roadside grass. Moreover, they pose serious environmental hazards.
• A few years ago, ashtrays were standard in all types of vehicles, including buses. However, due to the negative effects of smoking, these ashtrays have been removed. It is important that ashtrays be made mandatory in passenger vehicles, particularly cars, to encourage responsible disposal of cigarette butts.
• The careless disposal of plastic bags, wrapping paper, and especially glass and plastic bottles from vehicles can also lead to fires.
• Under the coordination of the General Directorate of Forestry, plans are developed, training is provided, and vehicles, equipment, and materials are acquired. However, the increasing frequency and number of forest fires strain our resources. While the awareness that planting a sapling is essential for our future is well established in society, there is a pressing need to enhance our capacity to protect, maintain, and clear the areas around these planted saplings.
• To address this, we should focus on increasing and encouraging volunteer efforts through a community-based approach. Residents living near forested areas should be obligated to participate in firefighting efforts. Additionally, we should establish units that meet once or twice a month to conduct training and exercises, similar to the National Guards in the USA, which are based on civilian volunteerism. The disaster volunteer system established by AFAD can be further developed to support this initiative.
• On September 11, 2019, the "Regulation on Volunteers Working in Fighting Forest Fires" was implemented, published in the Official Gazette. This regulation aims to involve volunteers safely and in an organized manner in fire suppression efforts. The primary goal should be to foster a culture of coexistence with fires, promote fire prevention, and raise awareness about fire sensitivity among the public.
• It is notable that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in our country predominantly focus on earthquake-related initiatives. It is crucial to emphasize the need for these organizations to also address the issue of wildfires. NGOs involved in disaster and emergency response should be accredited by AFAD and their competencies should be assessed through regular training exercises and inspections.