Factory Fires in Turkey Cost TRY 500 Million

The number of explosions and fires occurring in industrial structures in Turkey increases every year, causing loss of life and property. These investments, which are of great economic importance to the country, suffer major damage from fires or are completely destroyed. According to expert assessments, the insurance sector reports that the material losses caused by major fire damage average around TRY 500 million per year. Most fires and explosions occur in facilities located near residential areas in major cities, particularly Istanbul. This situation leads to damage to surrounding structures and increased loss of life and property. Türk Ytong Board Chairman Fethi Hinginar, stating that it is possible to reduce fire risk and damage in industrial facilities through preventive measures, noted that combustible materials are being used in these structures and that insurance companies need to be more aware of this issue. Hinginar called on insurance companies to support companies producing fire-resistant materials in the construction sector and to encourage factories to use these materials.

Building Fire Protection Regulation should be properly implemented

Fethi Hinginar said: "Factories are the lifeblood of our economy and local development. While it is not possible to prevent 100% of fires, it is possible through preventive measures to prepare industrial structures for fires, control fires before they spread, reduce the losses they will cause, and shorten the time to resume production. The Building Fire Protection Regulation currently in force in Turkey explains in detail which fire prevention measures should be taken in industrial facilities and the properties of the materials to be used, but there are shortcomings in the implementation of the regulation. Steps should be taken regarding the supervision and promotion of applications."

Insurance premiums should decrease for fire-resistant structures

Fethi Hinginar further stated that he believes insurance sector companies should play an active role in this matter, which will improve the existing system, and continued as follows: "In our country, factory insurance is still not mandatory. Mandatory insurance could be introduced as it is in European countries. Insurance companies can determine their fire policy criteria based on the conditions of the Fire Regulation. This way, it can be controlled what preventive measures need to be taken in industrial facilities and whether they are being correctly applied. Correct material selection and applications significantly reduce fire risk and potential damages. A system that rewards fire-resistant structures with lower insurance premiums improves the system. This is beneficial for both insurers and the insured."

Non-combustible building materials should provide premium advantages

"We see that combustible building and insulation materials are being used in the roofs and facades of burned factories. These materials, which have a low flammability class, cause fires to spread rapidly and affect entire facilities, even spreading to surrounding structures. However, building structures should be designed and constructed with 'fire-resistant' non-combustible building materials and should be of a quality that maintains integrity in the event of a fire, preventing the spread of flames and smoke. As Ytong, we produce Class A1 non-combustible roof, wall and floor panels. We provide safe wall and roof solutions that prevent and slow the progression and spread of fire in large-scale buildings such as industrial facilities and logistics structures. We collaborate with academics and civil society organizations working in this field. We raise awareness among architects, engineers and investors, and share our solutions. We expect the insurance sector to provide insurance premium advantages for products and applications such as those from Ytong, which provide comprehensive fire protection concepts for industrial structures."