Masdaf CEO Erhan Özdemir’s Call on Fire Protection Week, September 25: “Fire protection begins with awareness and is secured with the right systems”
Today, fires are not only a safety risk but also a significant economic threat. Fires occurring in homes, workplaces, hotels, and healthcare facilities lead to both loss of life and economic damages that are difficult to recover. According to the 2024 data from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, more than 25,000 fires occurred in Istanbul alone within a single year, highlighting how widespread and immediate the risk of fire is.
Being prepared for fires is not just a safety measure—it is also critical for sustainable living and business continuity. Correctly selecting systems like fire pumps and conducting regular inspections are among the most fundamental steps to minimize the impact of such disasters.
Data also supports this need. Turkey recorded 2024 as the hottest year in the past 54 years, with rainfall decreasing by 6.3% compared to long-term averages. Sudden heavy rains following dry periods caused 1,257 meteorological disasters throughout the year, 35% of which were due to severe rainfall and flooding. These conditions make it imperative for local authorities and institutions to develop strong, fast, and reliable solutions against unpredictable weather and infrastructure risks.
Fire safety starts with awareness and is completed with effective systems
On the occasion of Fire Protection Week, Masdaf CEO Erhan Özdemir stated: “Fire protection begins first and foremost with awareness. Choosing the right systems is the most tangible step of that awareness. It is crucial to raise fire safety awareness across all segments of society and to regard it not merely as a regulatory requirement but as a vital priority. In a country where thousands of fire incidents occur every year, being prepared can prevent loss of life, injuries, economic damage, and reputational harm. Especially in highly urbanized areas, everyone—from individuals to institutions—must fulfill their responsibilities. Fire systems are among the most critical components of a building, but it is not just their presence that matters; their reliability and sustainability are equally important. In a fire, every second counts, and a properly functioning system can save lives.”
Fire pumps are the heart of the system
Erhan Özdemir emphasized that advanced fire protection systems account for about 5% of a building’s total construction cost:
“This small investment plays a critical role in preventing loss of life and millions in economic damage. In buildings with high human or asset density—such as residences, hotels, shopping malls, hospitals, and production facilities—these systems must be functional and durable. The most critical component of these systems is the fire pump. Fire pumps deliver water to the system at the right time and pressure, ensuring effective intervention. In other words, the heart of fire suppression systems beats through these pumps. When the system operates correctly, fires can be controlled before they grow; delays can result in irreparable losses.”
“Having the right system is as important as keeping it operational”
Özdemir added that merely having a fire suppression system is not enough:
“These systems, particularly fire pumps, must be regularly tested and maintained. Since they are not in constant use, it may be difficult to detect any malfunctions. Failure of the system during a critical moment can have serious consequences. Therefore, periodic inspections are among the most important steps in ensuring fire safety. This is a priority for us as well. At Masdaf, we not only produce fire pumps but also provide technical support and maintenance services to ensure these systems are always operational and reliable. Having the right system is as important as keeping it functional.”
