Hotel fire trial opens in Turkey after Kartalkaya ski resort deaths

by Featured NewsSafety

Dozens face charges in fatal hotel blaze in Bolu

A trial has opened in Turkey for 32 defendants linked to a January hotel fire that killed 78 people and injured 133 others.

According to AP News, the fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu during the winter school break, with many children among the victims.

The Bolu Public Prosecutor’s Office submitted a 98-page indictment detailing the events and outlining charges.

Thirteen defendants face charges of causing death or injury with possible intent, which carries potential sentences of up to 1,998 years in prison.

The remaining 19 are charged with negligent homicide or injury, with potential sentences of up to 22.5 years.

Family members criticise hotel management

AP News reported that relatives of the deceased staged a demonstration outside the courthouse, holding images of victims and accusing hotel management of inaction during the fire.

Zeynep Kotan, whose 17-year-old daughter Omur died in the blaze, said: “This is not neglect, it is murder.”

In a statement made before proceedings, the families said: “They did not give any warning or activate an alarm system.

“They did not give any warning or activate an alarm system.

“While they were going to rescue their cars, our loved ones were suffocating from the smoke inside.”

Former lawmaker Mehmet Guner, who lost six family members, addressed the court.

He said: “The defendants brought before the court are a portion of the guilty.

“However, in this incident, the minister of tourism and the officials of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security are just as guilty.

“We will do our best to have them tried.”

Faulty systems and poor training identified in indictment

According to the indictment cited by AP News, the fire began at 3:17 a.m. when an electric grill plate in a kitchen on the fourth floor sparked and ignited a nearby rubbish bin.

The flames spread rapidly when the fire melted a liquefied petroleum gas hose.

Kitchen staff noticed the fire by 3:24 a.m., but within minutes the blaze was out of control.

The wooden ceiling, combined with airflow from a door left open, allowed the fire to spread quickly through the building.

The document states that the lack of smoke extraction systems, faulty detection and warning systems, and poorly fitted exits contributed to the fatalities.

Emergency lighting and signage were missing, and the hotel’s stairwells acted as “chimneys” for smoke.

Government officials and hotel executives among those charged

AP News reported that those facing the most severe charges include hotel owner Halit Ergul, his family members on the company board, and the hotel’s general manager.

Also named in the higher-charge category are Bolu’s deputy mayor and deputy fire chief.

Defendants facing lesser charges include hotel employees, inspection authorities, and maintenance personnel.

The hotel, built in 1999 and operated by Ergul’s company since 2007, passed its most recent inspection five weeks before the fire.

Ergul told prosecutors that the hotel had received regular fire safety checks every two years.

The most recent tourism certificate was due to expire in March.

Public outcry after defence minimises the fire

During the hearing, AP News reported that defence lawyer Recep Emre Ertas described the incident as “nothing more than a painful accident.”

His comments provoked anger from victims’ families in the courtroom.

The scale of the case has required the trial to be held in a converted sports hall in Bolu, with seating for 700 people.

There are 210 plaintiffs listed.

The hearing is expected to last for 14 days.

Hotel fire trial opens in Turkey after Kartalkaya ski resort deaths: Summary

A fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey on 21 January 2025.

Seventy-eight people died and 133 were injured.

The incident occurred during the winter school holiday.

Many of the victims were children.

Thirty-two people are now on trial for charges linked to the fire.

Thirteen face potential sentences of 1,998 years.

Nineteen others are charged with negligent homicide or injury.

The fire was caused by an electric grill igniting a bin.

Liquefied petroleum gas worsened the blaze.

The building lacked functioning alarms and smoke systems.

Evacuation routes were blocked or not fitted.

Stairwells and shafts allowed smoke to spread quickly.

Relatives accused hotel staff of failing to act.

A former lawmaker blamed government officials.

Defence counsel described the fire as an accident.

The trial is being held in a temporary courtroom in Bolu.

Ask ChatGPT

Türkiye boosts wildfire firefighting operations with expanded aerial and ground units

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Türkiye begins 2025 wildfire season with full deployment of firefighting assets

Daily Sabah has reported that Türkiye’s Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı confirmed the full deployment of national firefighting resources from 1 May.

The announcement was made during a meeting with provincial governors at the Fire Management Centre of the General Directorate of Forestry, focusing on preparation and coordination efforts for the wildfire season.

Yumaklı said: “With reserve forces included, we have 27 aircraft, 105 helicopters, 14 unmanned aerial vehicles, 1,786 fire trucks and water supply vehicles, 2,742 initial response vehicles and 831 construction machines to support this year’s efforts against wildfires.”

Coordination and preparation across all wildfire risk regions

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stated that preparation for this year’s wildfire season began in autumn and continued through winter.

Yumaklı explained that resources and personnel are now fully ready, with firefighting units strategically positioned across high-risk regions.

He added: “As of May 1, all of our units and resources are fully prepared.”

The Ministry noted that coordination involves multiple institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the gendarmerie, and the Ministry of National Defence.

Use of artificial intelligence and smart towers in wildfire monitoring

The Ministry reported that Türkiye’s wildfire response now includes artificial intelligence systems for data analysis and fire simulations.

Yumaklı said: “We use artificial intelligence in analyzing images from our smart towers and UAVs, among other things.

“Our Fire Decision Support System was awarded an international prize by the International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations.

“This system allows us to simulate forest fires and analyze data for better decision-making.”

The Ministry confirmed that 776 observation towers, including 184 smart towers, are in use, with real-time monitoring carried out using drones and AI-based tools.

Public awareness and prevention campaigns prioritised by officials

Yumaklı stated that human activity causes 84 percent of wildfires in Türkiye.

He explained that national awareness campaigns have reached communities in villages and towns across the country since last autumn.

He said: “We aim to significantly lower fire numbers with this campaign, which will be held on May 9 in all 81 provinces. I invite all citizens, regardless of age or gender, to join us in this valuable initiative.”

The “Forest is Mine” campaign will be held nationwide as part of the effort to reduce preventable fires through public involvement.

Türkiye boosts wildfire firefighting operations with expanded aerial and ground units: Summary

Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed full deployment of wildfire response units as of 1 May.

The announcement was made during a coordination meeting with regional governors at the Fire Management Centre.

Resources include 27 aircraft, 105 helicopters, 14 UAVs, 1,786 fire trucks, 2,742 response vehicles and 831 construction machines.

Monitoring is supported by 776 observation towers, 184 of which are smart towers.

Firefighting efforts involve coordination between the Ministry of Interior, AFAD, the gendarmerie and the Ministry of National Defence.

Artificial intelligence is used to process images from UAVs and smart towers for simulation and decision-making.

Türkiye’s Fire Decision Support System has received international recognition.

Public awareness campaigns have targeted communities since autumn to reduce fire incidents.

The “Forest is Mine” initiative will be held nationwide on 9 May to encourage citizen involvement.

Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı stated that climate change has increased fire risks globally and necessitates national readiness.

Türkiye’s firefighting workforce has reached 25,000 personnel.

Istanbul official mandates closure of hotels without safety certificates in Turkey

by Featured NewsSafety

Istanbul governor initiates hotel safety reviews in Turkey

According to Duvar English, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced on 30 January 2025 that a process had begun for reviewing hotel safety in Turkey.

The announcement follows a fire at a ski resort causing 79 fatalities.

The governor noted issues with hotel licensing and lodging certificates.

Hotel licence and certificate requirements

The process will close facilities lacking a licence or lodging certificate from the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated: “As of Monday, we will have closed all accommodation facilities that either lack a license or, despite having one, do not possess a basic lodging certificate from the Culture and Tourism Ministry.”

Officials plan to close facilities by week’s end.

Fire safety measures and building inspections

A fire in Bolu, which caused 78 deaths, led to a review of fire safety measures.

Authorities inspected institutions and buildings needing oversight after the incident.

An investigation at the Grand Kartal Hotel revealed fire protection issues.

Public safety coordination and district measures

Municipal and fire department units are working with district governors to enforce safety.

The process follows a set timeline for inspections in the affected areas.

Local units will coordinate to ensure public safety.

Istanbul governor initiates hotel safety reviews in Turkey: Summary

According to Duvar English, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced on 30 January 2025 that a process had begun for reviewing hotel safety in Turkey.

The review follows a fire at a ski resort causing 79 fatalities.

Facilities lacking a licence or lodging certificate from the Culture and Tourism Ministry will be closed.

The governor stated: “As of Monday, we will have closed all accommodation facilities that either lack a license or, despite having one, do not possess a basic lodging certificate from the Culture and Tourism Ministry.”

Officials plan to close facilities by week’s end.

The review includes inspections of fire safety measures after the Bolu incident causing 78 deaths.

Municipal and fire department units are working with district governors to enforce safety.

An investigation at the Grand Kartal Hotel revealed fire protection issues.

The measures are scheduled within a timeline to ensure public safety.

All actions follow government directives.

Hotel fire at ski resort in Turkey

by Featured News

A fire at a 12-story hotel at a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey has fatally wounded at least 66 people. The fire occured during the schools’ semester break, when hotels in the region are experiencing their busiest season.

At least 51 other people were injured in the fire that occurred in the Grand Kartal hotel in the resort of Kartalkaya, in Bolu’s province’s Koroglu mountains, around 300 kilometres east of Instanbul. At least one of the injured was in serious condition, while 17 other people had been discharged after being treated.

30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances were sent to the site as other hotels at the resort were evacuated as a precaution and guests were placed in hotels around Bolu.

Minister of the Interior, Ali Yerlikaya’s statement

Turkey’s Minister of the Interior, Ali Yerlikaya spoke about the incident: “We are in deep pain. The hotel had 238 registered guests. The fire was reported at 3:27am and the fire department began to respond at 4:15am.”

The government appointed six prosecutors to lead an investigation into the blaze, which is believed to have started in the hotel’s restaurant section.

Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin told the state-run Anadolu Agency earlier that at least two of the victims died after jumping from the building in a panic. Private NTV television and other media reported that some people tried to climb down from their rooms using sheets and blankets.

Ski Instructor, Grand Kartal hotel, Necmi Kepcetutan’s statement

Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor at the hotel, said he was asleep when the fire erupted and he rushed out of the building. He told NTV television that he then helped some 20 guests out of the hotel.

Kepcetutan told the station: “The hotel was engulfed in smoke, making it difficult for guests to locate the fire escape. I cannot reach some of my students. I hope they are OK.”

Television images showed the roof and top floors of the hotel on fire, while witnesses and reports suggested that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to operate.

NTV television suggested that the wooden cladding on the exterior of the hotel, in a chalet-style design, may have accelerated the spread of the fire.

Part of the 161-room hotel is on the side of a cliff, prohibiting efforts to combat the flames as intervention could only be made from the front and sides.

Guest, Grand Kartal hotel, Atakan Yelkovan’s statement

Atakan Yelkovan, a guest staying on the third floor, told the IHA news agency that: “My wife smelled the burning. The alarm did not go off. We tried to go upstairs but couldn’t, there were flames.

“We went downstairs and came here (outside). It took about an hour for the firefighting teams to arrive. People on the upper floors were screaming. They hung down sheets… Some tried to jump.”

Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy’s statement

Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy told reporters that the hotel underwent inspections in 2021 and 2024, saying: “No negative situation regarding fire competence was reported by the fire department.”

President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement

In an address in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “Unfortunately, we received very sad news this morning from Bolu, Kartalkaya. Our brothers and sisters were killed and injured in a fire that broke out in a hotel.

“All necessary steps will be taken to shed light on all aspects of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable.”

Fire at hotel in Turkish ski resort takes 66 lives: Summary

A fire in a busy Turkish ski resort has fatally wounded at least 66 people and injured at least 51. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared his hurt at the news, referring to those lost as our brothers and sisters.

He has confirmed that every step will be taken to find out the cause of the hotel fire.

Reflecting on a year since the Turkey earthquake: London Fire Brigade’s deployment revisited

by Featured News

A year of remembrance and reflection

One year ago today, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey, affecting towns in its southern and central regions.

In the aftermath, 77 members of the UK International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team, including 12 from the London Fire Brigade, were deployed to assist with rescue efforts.

They played a pivotal role in the Hatay region, searching through collapsed buildings to find and rescue those trapped in the rubble.

Now, a year on, members of the team have shared their experiences and the impact the deployment has had on them.

Personal accounts from the ground

Leading Firefighter Sarah Mimnagh, experiencing her first ISAR deployment, shared her feelings: “It’s incredibly hard to put down in words how things feel a year on… This was my first ISAR deployment, and amongst the pain and devastation, I was incredibly proud to be a part of the team.”

Sub Officer Dominic Mabbett highlighted the generosity of the Turkish people despite their losses, and Station Officer James Screech spoke of the perspective gained from witnessing the magnitude of loss firsthand, emphasizing the gratitude of the local people.

Ongoing commitment and readiness

Group Commander Jim O’Neill reflected on the continuous impact of the mission on his life, expressing pride in representing the Brigade and readiness for future calls to action.

Assistant Commissioner David O’Neill MBE (retd), who oversaw the deployment, reiterated the team’s sentiments of solidarity with those affected and the desire to have helped more.

The Brigade’s involvement in international disaster response didn’t end in Turkey, as London firefighters also participated in rescue operations following disasters in Malawi and Morocco in 2023.

The Brigade’s team in Turkey

The deployment comprised twelve dedicated firefighters from the London Fire Brigade, each contributing their skills and compassion to the mission in Turkey.

The list of deployed members includes Leading Firefighter Sarah Mimnagh, Sub Officers Steve Boulton, Dominic Mabbett, Tracy Doyle, Tom Robinson, Station Officers Al Hislop, Jim Screech, Lee Newman, Station Commanders Ian Simpson, Carl Cooper, Group Commander Jim O’Neill, and Assistant Commissioner David O’Neill MBE (retd).

IFSJ Comment

The reflections shared by London firefighters on their deployment to Turkey following the 2023 earthquake serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges and complexities of international disaster response.

Their accounts provide insight into the personal impact of such missions, the resilience and generosity of affected communities, and the ongoing commitment of emergency services personnel to offer their skills wherever they are needed.

These stories also underline the importance of international collaboration and preparedness to respond to natural disasters, ensuring that lessons learned from each deployment are carried forward to improve future responses.

As the London Fire Brigade continues to participate in international rescue operations, their experiences in Turkey will undoubtedly influence their approach and readiness for future emergencies.

Turkey rescue efforts scale back whilst experts predict cost of destruction

by Featured News

The rescue efforts following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which has become the most devastating earthquake in a decade, are beginning to scale back as officials take stock of the aftermath and the cost of the damage.

Survivors found

An 18-year-old man was pulled from the rubble of a building in southern Turkey, the third rescue on Tuesday (14 February), 198 hours after the earthquake as aid workers shifted focus to those across Turkey and Syria left homeless.

Rescuers also pulled two brothers alive from the ruins of an apartment block in Turkey’s Kahramanmaras province, who Anadolu news agency named as 17-year-old Muhammed Enes Yeninar and his brother, 21-year-old Baki Yeninar. They were taken to hospital although their condition was unclear.

Rescuers continued to work through the night to rescue people clinging to life. Some teams have started scaling back operations as low temperatures reduce the slim chances of survival. Some Polish rescuers, among many multinational teams that flew in, announced they would leave on Wednesday.

The cost of rebuilding

A report published at the weekend by the Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation put the cost of the damage at $84.1 billion – $70.8 billion from the repair of thousands of homes, plus $10.4 billion from loss of national income and $2.9 billion from loss of working days.

The main costs were said to be rebuilding housing, transmission lines and infrastructure, and meeting the short, medium and long-term shelter needs of the hundreds of thousands left homeless.

13.4 million people live in the 10 provinces by hit by the quake, making up 15% of Turkey’s population, and producing around 10% of gross domestic product.

Economists and officials estimated the quake would cut economic growth by up two percentage points this year.

A three-month state of emergency has been declared in the 10 provinces affected and the central bank has postponed payments on some loans. The Treasury declared force majeure until the end of July and postponed tax payments for the region.

Russia helps Turkey in fight against forest fires

by Middle East - Projects

The Russian government has loaned two Beriev Be-200 seaplanes to Turkey to help the country’s fight against forest fires. Planes staffed with Russian crews will be on duty in Antalya, Izmir and Bodrum, two cities and a town that have been gripped with forest fires in the past years.

Turkish media outlets reported that Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry sought assistance from Russia for the prevention of forest fires and in extinguishing them. Be-200 seaplanes are already in use against forest fires in several countries, including France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Indonesia and Israel.

Statistics released by the government show that many of the forest fires in Turkey begin due to lack of care for the forests demonstrated by people who randomly dump garbage in wooded areas, leaving flammable materials behind. Last year, 11,332 hectares (28,000 acres) of forest were lost to fires. Firefighters fought 2,688 forest fires last year. Figures by the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) show that the cause of a majority of them was undetermined, but 883 fires stemmed from “negligence,” while 372 were sparked by natural causes. Another 124 fires were the result of arson, according to the investigations. Negligence led to the devastation of 6,529 hectares of forest.

The government, meanwhile, stepped up its fight against forest fires by providing better firefighting equipment to firefighters, including thousands of new boots and fire trucks, while it rented 30 firefighting helicopters to aid efforts to contain fires.

From 2015 to 2019, firefighters battled an average of 2,521 fires each year while gradually increasing their response time, which currently stands at 12 minutes.