Statement from Istanbul Governor Davut Gül regarding the sponge factory fire in Çekmeköy

The fire, which started around 22:00 at a sponge factory in Çekmeköy, grew rapidly. The fact that the factory was close to a forested area and residential zones caused great concern. Firefighting crews dispatched to the scene intervened in the blaze after long efforts. As a result of the extensive work by the fire department, the fire was brought under control and extinguished.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül arrived at the scene to conduct inspections. Making a statement to members of the press, Governor Gül said, "The fire broke out around 22:00 at a fiber-sponge factory located in Alemdağ Neighborhood.

Those who saw the flames, which started for an unknown reason, notified the fire, police, and medical teams. Upon the report, fire, AFAD, and UMKE teams were dispatched to the scene.

Fire crews intervened in the fire from different points to prevent the flames from spreading to the forested area. Police teams took security measures in the vicinity and moved citizens away from the scene. The fire was extinguished after long efforts. While there were no deaths or injuries in the incident, the factory sustained extensive damage," he said.

"BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL"

Inspecting the factory after the fire, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said, "This factory has a specific characteristic; because it is both within residential areas and adjacent to the forest, there was a possibility of the fire growing. Thanks to early intervention and the coordinated efforts of the institutions, thank God it was extinguished and brought under control without spreading to the forest or residential areas.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. This will emerge in the subsequent process. There are no deaths, no injuries, but the factory has completely burned down. I wish everyone a speedy recovery.

May God protect us from worse. It is next to a horse farm and the forest, therefore it did not spread to the forest. Such a problem did not occur. But there was such a risk. There was such a danger. All our institutions and organizations, primarily the Forestry Department, the fire department, the police, the gendarmerie, and our municipality, all took those precautions. The fire is currently under control. There is no longer any possibility of it spreading to the forest. Even during the hours when the fire was most intense, there was no spread to the forest or the horse farm," he stated.