CHP's Yankı Bağcıoğlu calls for urgent measures regarding İzmir fires: TSK must play a more active role

CHP Deputy Chairman Yankı Bağcıoğlu issued a written statement regarding the fires that have been ongoing in İzmir for 3 days. Bağcıoğlu included the following statements in his remarks: 

Bağcıoğlu included the following statements in his remarks:

“As we have seen in the recent fires, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) play a critical role in firefighting, just as they do in all natural disasters. 

However, this reality and necessity are not reflected in the current plans. 

For example, as of today, more TSK aerial assets are intervening in the fires than those of the General Directorate of Forestry, yet an MSB (Ministry of National Defense) representative cannot be part of the 'National Disaster and Emergency Board' by regulation, even if it were to convene. 

Taking into account larger disasters like the February 6 earthquake, the MSB/TSK should be assigned the role of 'Main Solution Partner' in the Turkey Disaster Response Plan, and the absurdity of being a 'Support Solution Partner' should be abandoned.

“Abandoning the 'Support Solution Partner' approach will allow for the more effective use of the capabilities and resources possessed by the TSK and will eliminate an imaginary barrier to taking responsibility. 

Furthermore, cost-effective planning and task distribution among institutions for subsequent years, done in advance, will increase success in firefighting.

I would like to state very clearly that the failure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to establish a comprehensive strategy for the procurement, support, and effective use of aerial vehicles before the fire season shows that what we are experiencing is not just a coincidence. 

The increasing forest fires every year and the resulting disasters demonstrate that a more proactive approach must be adopted in emergency management.

In this context, the measures that need to be taken before fires occur are of critical importance to improve the current situation.

These weaknesses in firefighting show that Turkey needs to develop new approaches in disaster management.

These approaches should be discussed with the participation of all stakeholders. 

The first things that come to mind are; 

The Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) being freed from the trustee regime in accordance with Constitutional Court (AYM) decisions and returning to its former and desired leading position in civil aviation,

Pilots and operators who will take part in firefighting activities being trained by the THK,

Maintenance and repairs of aircraft and helicopters that will fight fires being carried out by the THK, with support provided by TUSAŞ and the Air Force Command if necessary,

Continued use of aircraft in the THK inventory with improvements to be made,

The ultimate goal being to own our own aircraft and helicopters instead of renting,

Operating within a fleet discipline and organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with all support components that will meet the mission requirements of aerial vehicles (with support provided by the Air Force Command if necessary in this regard),

In the short term, supporting activities with a reserve fleet by the TSK, while always keeping primary operational needs in mind,

In the medium term, within the framework of the demands of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; the development of an amphibious aircraft by TUSAŞ, taking into account the advanced aviation production infrastructure,

As a Research and Development project; planning the establishment of a high-capacity water-carrying UAV fleet for firefighting purposes in addition to firefighting aircraft, stand out. All of these topics are open to discussion and evaluation. 

It is everyone's responsibility to take all necessary measures to protect our forests. It should not be forgotten that protecting these beauties that nature offers us is the most valuable legacy we will leave to future generations.

I wish success to all our heroic personnel intervening in the fire. However, this struggle will gain meaning not only with their courage but also with effective management and planning. 

It is of vital importance for the government to see the deficiencies in this regard and take the necessary steps to prevent disasters that may occur in the future.”

News Source: 12punto