İzmir Fire Department enhances heavy search and rescue capabilities

The İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department is undergoing intensive training to obtain AFAD heavy search and rescue accreditation. Approximately 110 personnel are receiving instruction in international standards, including seismic listening, technical rescue, and debris search. The training covers essential skills such as GPS navigation, compass use, and specialized cutting techniques for concrete and metal. Following the training, staff must pass a rigorous 72-hour examination to ensure they can operate with high discipline and hierarchy during major disasters.

In a separate development, the 6th International Fire Symposium was held in İzmir in collaboration with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB). The symposium addressed evolving fire risks, including those from electric vehicles and solar power plants. Discussions also focused on upcoming regulatory changes, such as the introduction of periodic fire safety inspections for buildings, similar to vehicle inspections, and the potential involvement of certified fire safety specialists to assist fire departments in reporting and compliance.