Masdaf a leading brand in the fluid technologies sector, and Allianz Teknik Türkiye’s first Accredited Earthquake & Fire Testing and Training Center, hosted a significant event aimed at raising awareness of fire safety. Highlighting that one of the most critical components of fire suppression systems is fire pumps, Masdaf CEO Erhan Özdemir emphasized the vital importance of regular maintenance and periodic inspections of fire pump systems.
The event, held on Wednesday, April 30, was co-hosted by Masdaf, founded in 1977 with 100% domestic capital, and Allianz Teknik. It focused on the critical role of fire pumps in safe building infrastructure, their impact on the insurance sector, and applications in the construction industry.
Panel Discussion: “What Should We Do for Fire Safety Awareness?”
The event began with an opening speech by Masdaf CEO Erhan Özdemir, followed by a panel titled “What Should We Do for Fire Safety Awareness?”. The panel was moderated by Masdaf Marketing Manager Nihan Göksal and featured: Dr. Ceyhun Eren, Director of Allianz Turkey Risk Engineering & Allianz Teknik, İlker İbik, Chairman of Türkiye İMSAD Structural Fire Safety Working Group, Ezgi Baba, Masdaf Building Technologies & Fire Products Group Manager”
“Fire pumps: one of the most critical components of fire suppression systems”
During his speech, Erhan Özdemir highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and periodic inspections of fire pump systems, stating:
“Fires remain one of the most serious threats causing loss of life and property. According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Fire Department, a total of 24,948 fires occurred in Istanbul in 2024 — roughly one fire every 20 minutes. Among these, 6,047 were residential, and 2,604 occurred in warehouses, workplaces, offices, and commercial buildings. Unfortunately, injuries and fatalities were also reported. Fire pumps, a critical component of fire suppression systems, play a key role in ensuring adequate water pressure and rapid response, minimizing potential damage. These systems, used across industrial facilities, hospitals, shopping centers, and residential projects, are designed to deliver water at the correct pressure during a fire. Regular mechanical and electrical maintenance is essential — a poorly maintained fire pump may fail when needed most, compromising safety.”
“Key to successful risk management: awareness and effective precautions”
Dr. Ceyhun Eren emphasized in the panel:
“Fire is one of the most destructive risks for businesses and buildings. Unlike natural disasters, its probability and impact can be significantly reduced through effective precautions. Proper material selection, awareness of general and process-related risks, regular maintenance, automatic suppression systems, and efficient fire detection infrastructure can prevent both the occurrence and spread of fires. Risk management is critical not only for insurability but also for human safety and business continuity. Managing fire risk is not just about avoiding losses; it is essential for establishing safe and sustainable systems. Every preventive measure against fire is both a safety investment and a long-term sustainability strategy.”
“Fire safety is a process, not just a specification”
İlker İbik, Chairman of Türkiye İMSAD Structural Fire Safety Working Group, stated: “Fire safety is not merely a technical requirement tied to building permits; it must be sustainably addressed at every stage — from design to construction, operation, and inspection. For high-rise or high-occupancy buildings, merely meeting minimum regulatory requirements is insufficient. Fire risk should be assessed beyond regulations with an engineering perspective. Performance-based fire safety allows designers to develop building-specific strategies, enhancing safety while optimizing costs. For this transformation to be sustainable, all stakeholders — from designers to implementers, public authorities to insurance companies — must understand their responsibilities and actively participate.”
Fire safety is a life-saving art
Ezgi Baba, Masdaf Building Technologies & Fire Products Group Manager, added: “In the last decade, an average of 500,000 structural fires occurred annually in the US, resulting in approximately 3,500 deaths. In Istanbul alone, 24,948 fires were reported in 2024. These figures highlight the serious threat of fires. Therefore, ensuring systems operate flawlessly during a fire is directly linked to human life. Correct pump selection, proper system installation, regular testing, and periodic maintenance are essential for the effectiveness of fire systems. Fire safety is not only risk management; it is the art of saving lives.”
