Mardin and Diyarbakir Fire Responsibility and Intervention Discussions
While discussions on other fire incidents continued, the problems experienced in responding to fires between Mardin and Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipalities came to the fore.
It was revealed that only 8 of the 40 fire trucks of Mardin Metropolitan Municipality were sent to the fire in Mazıdağı. It was stated that after the fire, 2 vehicles participated in the extinguishing efforts. This situation attracted attention as an indicator of the inadequacy of the fire brigade response.
It was stated that the fire departments of Diyarbakır and Mardin Metropolitan Municipalities were unable to fulfill their responsibilities in fires that caused deaths and injuries. The failure of the municipalities to take the necessary precautions in time to respond to stubble and grain fires led to loss of life and property.
Metropolitan municipalities, which were responsible for the fire incidents in which 15 people lost their lives in Mardin’s Mazıdağı district, had difficulty assuming their responsibilities by responding to criticism from different angles. The lack of municipal organizations, especially in the districts of Diyarbakır and Mardin, stood out as an important reason for the disruptions in fire response.
Citizens demanded that both metropolitan municipalities disclose details regarding their fire trucks and clearly state how many vehicles they dispatch to fire zones.
It was reported to the public that the Mardin Metropolitan Municipality sent only 8 of its 40 fire trucks on the night of the fire and 2 of the other trucks were dispatched to participate in the extinguishing efforts later.
Citizens stated that some DEM Party Deputies were determined not to allow political provocation attempts in the fire zone. The MPs’ pursuit of political gain and their politics based on the suffering of citizens drew reaction.
Mardin and Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipalities should act in line with the expectations of citizens regarding faster and more effective interventions in order to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure more effective coordination in firefighting.
