Opportunists at work in Bolu: Exorbitant price hikes on fire extinguishers

Following the tragic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Center, which resulted in the loss of 78 lives, the demand for fire safety equipment has risen rapidly. Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire blankets, in particular, have been among the most requested items. However, this surge has led some sellers to raise prices to exorbitant levels.

It was determined that a mini fire extinguisher, which cost 414 liras the day before the fire, rose to 735 liras just one day after the incident. Price increases of up to 100 percent were also observed for fire extinguishing apparatus, blankets, and detectors.

DEMAND HAS SHIFTED TO SMALL-SCALE EQUIPMENT  

Businesses in the fire safety sector stated that many structures have realized their deficiencies regarding fire safety and have begun making emergency purchases. Small-scale fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, in particular, are seeing intense demand.

Ramazan Bulut, who sells safety equipment in Sefaköy, Istanbul, stated that after the fire in Bolu, businesses realized their lack of precautions, but that there was already a serious lack of preparation before the fire. “Fire equipment in many businesses has exceeded its expiration date. Inspections are insufficient, and necessary precautions are being postponed. This situation is common not only in workplaces but also in individual use,” he said.

''BE CAREFUL WITH ONLINE SHOPPING''

Stating that some sellers are turning this increase in demand into an opportunity, Bulut said, “Prices on the internet are being seriously abused. Products that were 300 liras have risen to 800-900 liras following the fire. I advise consumers to buy such products from local tradesmen rather than from the internet. They will both get more reliable products in terms of safety and will not be exposed to exorbitant prices,” he said. 

News Source: 12punto