Are we ready for fires?

The Scenario-Based Occupational Health and Safety Club at Üsküdar University organized an event titled I Am Ready for Fire. Supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports ÜNİDES projects, experts discussed causes of fire, rates of spread, dangers, and correct intervention techniques.

Held at the Emir Nebi 1 Conference Hall on the Çarşı Campus, the event was attended by Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur, Deputy Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, Bengisu Altınten, Director of the Continuous Education Practice and Research Center, Fatih Bilgin from İstanbul Fire Department, İkram Çelik, Forest Fire Fighting Branch Manager as well as faculty members and students.

During the symposium, the causes of fires, rates of spread, dangers, and correct intervention techniques were examined. With emphasis on preventive measures, participants also received information on the selection and use of personal protective equipment and different types of fires.

Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “Our deficiencies stand in our way like walls”

Dean Prof. Ertekin opened the program, stating: “Fire is a terrible event. We live in a society that has recently suffered many troubles and sorrows caused by unexpected fires. As our infrastructure and smart systems increase, we also need to perform inspections and maintenance. When we neglect these, our deficiencies stand before us like walls. If proper precautions were taken, we would not suffer such great loss of life and cost.”

Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan: “All buildings must be reviewed”

Asst. Prof. Uçan cited examples of fire and explosions worldwide and highlighted the need for safety systems. He said: “All buildings in Türkiye, even those with occupancy permits, must be reviewed one by one. Reassessment is needed in aspects such as fire resistance, insulation, adequacy of emergency exits, and presence of guiding systems in power outages. If deemed necessary, some buildings must be removed from use.”

Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur: “Fire safety needs its own field of expertise”

Asst. Prof. Temur emphasized the unique importance of fire safety: “Fire is a very important and distinct topic compared to other disasters. Therefore, a separate discipline in fire safety is necessary. Specialization allows for deeper expertise. In our Occupational Health and Safety undergraduate program, we cover only part of fire safety. Fire prevention and firefighting is a much broader and specialized field.”

Fatih Bilgin: “Fire is physical but its effect is psychological”

Fatih Bilgin, Corporate Communication and Development Officer at İstanbul Fire Department, shared field examples, saying: “Fire is a physical event but its effect is psychological. The most deadly moment of a fire is not the highest flame but the moment you are least prepared. Fire, like oxygen, often goes unnoticed until it becomes vital. Many disasters and emergencies occur because precautions were not taken. It is essential to plan ahead and prepare. After each intervention, the team must hold a final evaluation and feedback meeting.”

İkram Çelik: “What we need most is to love the profession”

Forest Fire Fighting Branch Manager İkram Çelik outlined the differences between forest fires and urban fires: “The only common element between forest and urban fires is the fire triangle. Our intervention techniques and personal protective equipment differ. Unfortunately, what we still need most in occupational safety, as in many areas of Türkiye, is love for the profession. Occupational safety is one of the professions in which you will face the most difficulties. That is why patience and persistence are essential. As long as you do not give up, you will eventually receive a return.”

Hands‑on fire extinguishing simulation

As part of the program, students participated in a practical fire extinguishing simulation led by Continuous Education Practice and Research Center Director Bengisu Altınten, applying theoretical knowledge in practice.

A fire knowledge quiz followed the simulation. Participants received certificates of attendance.

The program concluded with a group photograph.

 

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)