SHMYO academics and students became ‘Forest Fire Volunteers’

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) instructors and students participated in the “Forest Fire Volunteer Training” in cooperation with the Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry. The program addressed the ecological importance of forests and that forest fires are largely caused by human-induced negligence and environmental factors. The training emphasized the importance of early warning systems, risk reduction efforts, and inter-institutional coordination in fire management. It was stated that forest fire volunteering plays a critical role not only in the intervention process but also in raising awareness and preventive work. At the end of the training, a total of 5 instructors and 50 students from the Emergency and Disaster Management and Occupational Health and Safety programs were certified as “Forest Fire Volunteers.”

The training was conducted by İkram Cengiz, Branch Manager of Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry, at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emir Nebi Conference Hall. 

The training was attended by Asst. Prof. Remziye Keskin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Sciences; Asst. Prof. Ahmet Adiller, Head of the Environmental Health and Safety Program; Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik, Head of the Disabled Care and Rehabilitation Program; Instructor Ömer Faruk Okuyucu, Head of the Opticianry Program; and Instructor Tuğçe Yılmaz Karan from the Environmental Health and Safety Program.

Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “The most effective way to protect the forest is to prevent fires from starting”

Speaking at the opening of the program, Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş, SHMYO Deputy Director and Head of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program, stated that forests are one of the most valuable natural resources ensuring the continuity of life. Demirtaş stated that forests absorb carbon dioxide to produce oxygen, contribute to maintaining climate balance, and provide habitats for numerous species. Furthermore, Demirtaş emphasized that forests protect the soil from erosion, support water resources, and reduce flood risk, adding that protecting forests means protecting the future and future generations.

Demirtaş pointed out that forest fires are serious disasters that can grow rapidly due to climatic conditions, human-induced negligence, and various environmental factors, and stated that not only intervention efforts but also risk reduction, education, and awareness activities are of great importance in combating fires. Demirtaş, stating that forest volunteers support pre-fire awareness efforts, act in accordance with the guidance of official institutions during fires, and contribute to the environmental restoration after fires; said, “The most effective way to protect the forest is to prevent fires from starting.”

İkram Cengiz: “Istanbul has a special risk profile in terms of forest fires”

İkram Cengiz, Branch Manager of Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry, spoke about the main factors increasing fire risk. Cengiz said: “Istanbul has a special risk profile in terms of forest fires due to being Türkiye’s most populous metropolis and its forests being intertwined with residential areas. Its approximately 240 thousand hectares of forest, especially in the northern belt, form vast ecosystems parallel to the Black Sea. Belgrad Forest, Çatalca–Terkos basin, Şile–Ağva line, and the Islands region are also among the sensitive areas prominent in terms of fire risk. In these regions, both the preservation of the natural structure and the intensity of human pressure appear as key factors further increasing the fire risk.” 

“A large part of forest fires are human-induced”

Cengiz, speaking about the importance of early warning and surveillance systems; said: “A large part of the forest fires occurring in Istanbul originate from human-induced negligence and carelessness. Especially the intensive use of picnic areas, recreational activities within and around forests, power lines, cigarette butts, and residential areas developed intertwined with forests significantly increase this risk. In addition, rising temperatures in summer due to climate change, low humidity, and strong winds both facilitate the outbreak of fires and significantly increase their spread rate. Fires that may occur especially in areas defined as the forest-urban interface have the potential to directly threaten not only the ecosystem but also residential areas, critical infrastructures, and the safety of millions of people. Therefore, forest fire risk management in Istanbul necessitates a multifaceted and holistic approach such as strengthening early warning and surveillance systems, raising public awareness, increasing preventive measures in risky areas, and ensuring effective inter-institutional coordination.”

“One of the critical elements is the active involvement of volunteers in the process”

Cengiz, stating that forest fire volunteer training is important; said: “In this context, it should be particularly emphasized that one of the most critical elements in combating forest fires is the active involvement of volunteers in the process. Forest fire volunteer trainings aim not only to support intervention during a fire but also to cultivate individuals who can anticipate risks, know correct behavioral patterns, and raise public awareness on the matter. Thanks to these trainings, volunteers gain knowledge on basic fire information, safe intervention methods, correct reporting procedures, and personal safety measures, enabling them to act in coordination with professional teams. Especially in megacities like Istanbul where the risk is high, volunteer support both increases early intervention capacity and makes a significant contribution to strengthening community-based awareness.” 

At the end of the training, attended by a total of 5 instructors and 50 students from the Emergency and Disaster Management and Occupational Health and Safety programs, the participants were certified as “Forest Fire Volunteers.”