Tragic news has emerged from Bolu, Turkey, where a fire destroyed the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu, Kartalkaya, killing 79 and injuring dozens more. Although the hotel had a fire detection and alarm system in place, it lacked automatic fire sprinkler systems. Initial reports suggest there was an issue with the fire alarm system. This was a tragic loss of life, and young lives. The fire occurred as the hotel was beginning a two-week school holiday. Fire extinguishment efforts lasted for 12 hours.
The TMMOB Chamber of Mechanical Engineers issued a Press Release, dated January 22, 2025 which, in part, states: Because it is known that the hotel capacity of Grand Kartal Hotel, which accommodates 237 people, excluding its employees, is 161 rooms, 350 beds and is 26 years old. According to the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings, the hotel is in the “existing building” class and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 10 of the regulation (Articles 138 to 167). In paragraph (d) of Article 165 regarding the necessity of sprinkler systems in existing buildings; “d) In hotels, hostels and guesthouses where the number of beds in a building with more than two floors exceeds 200.” Therefore, for the hotel in the existing building class with 350 beds, there is a requirement for an Automatic Sprinkler system that prevents and extinguishes the spread of fire when it breaks out. In the photos on the hotel’s website, it can be seen that the automatic sprinkler system, which should have been installed in 2008 at the latest, was not installed. Due to the lack of this system, the fire spread quickly and there were casualties.”
CBS News provided arial views of the hotel.