Danger Rises with the Heat: Pay Attention to Sprinkler Systems

Civil Engineer and a Lecturer and in the Department of Architecture at Izmir University of Economics, Şeref Alpago stated that the risk of fire in high-rise buildings has increased with record-high temperatures in many regions of Turkey. Alpago emphasized that it is vital for sprinkler systems to activate during a fire.

Alpago noted that the long escape distances in high-rise buildings increase the risk and that precautions should be taken accordingly. He said, “There are many causes of building fires. From a charger left in a socket to oil left in a pan, many hazardous situations can cause a fire. It is not very possible to prevent fires from starting. However, as soon as a fire breaks out, the sprinkler system must be activated to suppress the fire as quickly as possible. Therefore, in addition to taking precautions in buildings, issues such as how to intervene in a fire and what the alarm system should be like should also be focused on.”

“12 HOURS OF AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION INCREASES THE RISK”

Alpago explained that fire incidents can increase due to the rising air temperature in Izmir, and he stated the following: “When the air gets very hot, humidity decreases, and the necessary fire conditions are created. The load on the cables also begins to increase. An air conditioner that works for an average of 4 hours a day now works for 12 hours a day. Therefore, there is an overload. If there is some low-quality material, the risk increases. Problems can also occur due to chargers left in sockets. The electrical system can make mistakes in its own operation. A low-quality fuse system, low-quality wiring, and low-quality workmanship can cause a fire over time in its internal operation. We can reduce the risk even with simple precautions.”

“AN ACCREDITED CONTROL MECHANISM SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED”

Stating that a new fire specification is being prepared Alpago said that they are exchanging ideas about the new regulation, which is in the draft stage. He noted that the specifications should also include deterrent clauses. Alpago said, “The fire-related scenarios for both existing and new buildings have been reviewed. It will be a good study when it's finished. However, how it will be controlled and inspected is just as important as how it will be done. For this reason, accredited control companies can be established. Fire engineers can be adapted to fire departments, and they can be strengthened. Fire engineers can conduct inspections together with municipalities and accredited companies. In this way, a control mechanism with very high sanctions would be established. This would also reassure users.” Alpago reminded citizens that they can request an inspection of their buildings' fire precautions by writing a petition, just as they do for earthquake resistance. Alpago added that an accredited control mechanism involving fire departments and municipalities could be established.