Factory fires hit Tekirdağ: 50 factories reduced to ashes in 3 months
Fires that occurred in Tekirdağ during June, July, and August have deeply affected the industrial sector in the region, leading to serious economic losses. Approximately 50 factories have been devastated by fires in the last three months. These incidents have once again highlighted the fragile structure of the region's industry and the deficiencies in fire safety.
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Factory fires occurring in succession in the most industrially dense regions of Tekirdağ have led to serious losses in terms of production and employment. Large facilities have become completely unusable due to the fires. Fires that occurred in some factories, particularly those housing recycling facilities, have negatively impacted the regional economy.
Although the causes of the fires have not yet been clearly determined, it is believed that many of the fires spread rapidly due to chemical substances present in the factories. Fire department reports also state that these substances made firefighting efforts difficult and hindered the ability to bring the fires under control.
The Tekirdağ fire department faced great difficulties while responding to these fires. The lack of fire stations in some industrial zones, in particular, caused the fires to grow. Even though fire crews reached the fire zones as quickly as possible, many factories were completely reduced to ashes due to the rapid growth of the fires and the high speed at which the flames spread.
NO FIRE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE SYSTEMS IN FACTORIES
These fires have also revealed deficiencies in fire safety across the 13 organized industrial zones (OIZ) in the province of Tekirdağ. Inspections revealed that the fire prevention and response systems of some factories were inadequate. This situation increases the risk of similar disasters occurring again. In particular, the insufficiency of fire crews within the OIZs stands out as one of the factors causing the fires to grow.
Finally, in a fire that occurred at the OIZ in Hayrabolu, two factories sustained serious damage. It was stated that millions of liras in damages occurred due to the growth of the fire in this area, where fire safety measures were inadequate. In assessments made after the fire, it was emphasized that OIZs need to invest more in fire safety.
'MORE FREQUENT INSPECTIONS MUST BE CONDUCTED'
Experts agree that serious measures must be taken to prevent fires and protect the future of the industry. It is recommended that fire safety systems in factories be updated, that fire crews be positioned more effectively in industrial zones, and that employees be provided with fire safety training. Furthermore, it is stated that stricter inspections must be conducted in the areas where factories are located.
The industrial fires in Tekirdağ serve as a warning not only for industrialists in the region but also for Turkey's general industrial policies. It is emphasized that necessary steps must be taken to close the fire safety gaps in the region and prevent similar disasters.
Factory fires affect not only the industrialists but also hundreds of workers employed in the factories.