Hotels in Alanya are on alert following the Bolu incident
Turkey started yesterday morning with the tragic fire disaster in Bolu Kartalkaya. A chain of negligence claimed 76 lives. Emphasizing the importance of fire safety and inspections in accommodation facilities, Alanya Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik stated, "As Alanya Municipality, we attach great importance to the safety of accommodation facilities in our district."
One of Turkey’s most important winter tourism destinations, Bolu Kartalkaya, witnessed a disaster at the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel at around 03:30 a.m. A chain of negligence turned the fire into a catastrophe. The absence of fire escapes in the wooden hotel and the lack of adequate firefighting resources in the area increased the death toll. In the fire that broke out in a hotel housing 238 guests, 76 people lost their lives, and 51 were injured. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced that four people had been detained regarding the hotel fire in Kartalkaya. Are sufficient precautions being taken in Alanya hotels against potential disasters? Alanya Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik and tourism sector representatives provided exclusive assessments to Yeni Alanya on this matter.
"WE SHOW GREAT SENSITIVITY TO SAFETY ISSUES"
Alanya Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik expressed his condolences and wishes for a speedy recovery regarding the tragic fire at the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Center. In his statement, Mayor Özçelik emphasized that this unfortunate event once again underscored the importance of fire safety and inspections in accommodation facilities. Highlighting Alanya Municipality’s sensitivity to fire safety, Mayor Özçelik said:
"We extend our condolences to those who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Center and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. This sad incident has once again demonstrated the critical importance of fire safety and inspections in accommodation facilities. As Alanya Municipality, we attach great importance to the safety of accommodation facilities in our district. Obtaining a fire safety compliance report from Alanya Fire Department, affiliated with Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, is mandatory before issuing workplace opening permits. Permits are not granted to facilities without fire safety compliance or without a certificate of occupancy. Furthermore, after obtaining a workplace permit, obtaining a Tourism Operation Certificate from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is required. The Ministry conducts rigorous inspections during this process and informs our municipality about facilities that do not meet the necessary criteria. In such cases, necessary actions, including permit cancellations, are promptly taken. As Alanya Municipality, we will continue to work in cooperation with all relevant institutions to ensure the safety of our citizens and guests and take all necessary measures."
"600 ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES IN ALANYA ARE SAFE"
Alper Gencelli, Press Spokesperson of the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV), said:
"The devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Center, which claimed the lives of 76 citizens and injured 51, has deeply saddened us all. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, wish a speedy recovery to the injured, and patience to their grieving families. On this sad occasion, I would like to share information about fire safety measures and inspection processes in tourism facilities:
1. FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Compliance with Regulations: Facilities must fully comply with the provisions of the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings. In this context, fire exits, alarm systems, fire extinguishing equipment, and evacuation plans are regularly inspected.
Fire Department Report: Facilities must obtain a fire safety report from local fire departments before starting operations.
Periodic Checks: Fire suppression systems, alarm systems, and other fire prevention equipment are inspected at regular intervals. These inspections are carried out by both the Ministry of Tourism and local authorities.
2. OPERATING PERMIT INSPECTIONS
Application and Initial Inspection: Facilities applying for an operating permit are examined under the Regulation on the Certification and Qualifications of Tourism Facilities.
Periodic Inspections: Regular inspections by the Ministry of Tourism assess hygiene, fire safety, service standards, and permit validity.
Noncompliance: Facilities found lacking during inspections are given time to address deficiencies. Severe violations may lead to the suspension or revocation of operating permits.
3. INSPECTION PROCESSES IN ALANYA
Approximately 600 accommodation facilities are located in Alanya. These facilities cannot obtain permits or operating certificates without a fire inspection report. Additionally, facilities must conduct annual internal inspections. Internal inspections should include the following measures:
Designation of fire extinguishing and rescue teams.
Inspection of fire escapes and equipment.
Conducting fire drills.
Comprehensive implementation of other safety measures.
Detailed information can be obtained from Alanya Fire Department, the Tourism District Advisory Office, or related facilities. Furthermore, it is of great importance to always have fire safety reports, operating certificates, maintenance reports for fire equipment, and training certificates for personnel readily available."
