The webinar program on Rural Area Fires and Volunteer Firefighting was held on July 16, 2024 under the moderation of Dr. Serdar BÜYÜKİPEKCİ. Invited Speaker Konya Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department Head Cevdet İŞBİTİRİCİ shared information on rural area fires, stubble fires and forest fires in Konya.

Rural area fires usually occur in forested or agricultural areas and can cause large-scale fires. Such fires often spread rapidly and can be difficult to control. Rural fires can cause environmental damage, economic losses and even loss of life.

Volunteer firefighting involves training and organizing volunteers to respond to such incidents. Volunteer firefighting programs are often more prevalent in rural areas because these areas can be difficult for professional fire brigades to reach. Cevdet İŞBİTİRİCİ, Head of Konya Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, stated that they started a volunteer firefighting project for early intervention to fires in rural areas and that they have activated volunteer firefighting in all districts.

The training of volunteers usually includes basic firefighting techniques, emergency planning and communication skills. Volunteers also learn how to use the necessary equipment to protect their own safety.

The establishment of volunteer fire brigade groups in rural areas can help local communities become more prepared for the risk of fire. By responding quickly, such groups can prevent the spread of fire and play an important role until the arrival of professional fire brigades.

To build a community ready for rural fires, it is important to establish volunteer fire brigade groups. Through these groups, it is possible to work more effectively with limited resources.

Rural fires are a major threat, especially in summer. Volunteer firefighting plays an important role in fighting these fires. Volunteer firefighters help prevent the spread of fire by responding quickly to fires and lighten the workload of professional teams.