Recent data on industrial fires and explosions in Turkey emphasizes the strategic necessity of comprehensive risk management and proactive measures. Fire and explosion hazards disrupt operations across numerous sectors, ranging from production plants and storage facilities to energy infrastructure and logistics.
According to the “Industrial Fires and Explosions 2024 Report” published by the UCTEA Chamber of Chemical Engineers Istanbul Branch:
A total of 720 industrial fires and explosions (694 fires and 26 explosions) occurred in Turkey in 2024.
Marking the highest level in the last seven years, these incidents resulted in 29 worker fatalities and 138 injuries.
Beyond physical damage, these incidents cause production losses, operational interruptions, financial damages, and long-term impacts on corporate reputation.
73% of Incidents Concentrated in Four Sectors
The sector of operation, production processes, machinery, and operational structures directly determine an enterprise's risk profile. The 2024 findings reveal:
Sector Breakdown: The textile, wood-paper-furniture, metal, and plastic/rubber industries accounted for approximately 73% of all recorded incidents.
Regional Breakdown: 49.1% of incidents occurred in the Marmara Region, followed by 25.7% in the Aegean Region.
Provincial Breakdown: Istanbul ranked first with 217 incidents, followed by Tekirdağ with 131, and Bursa with 103 incidents.
Facility- and Process-Based Solutions by Howden Turkey
Howden Turkey analyzes fire and explosion risks in detail to design tailored risk management solutions aligned with each enterprise's specific profile. The company reviews existing protection systems, provides risk-mitigating improvement recommendations, advises on preventive business continuity practices, and optimizes insurance programs to match the operational risk profile.
Statement from Board Chairman and Regional CEO Atınç Yılmaz
Atınç Yılmaz, Board Chairman and Regional CEO of Howden Turkey, stated:
Fire and explosion risks impact areas well beyond physical damage, affecting production processes, supply chains, financial performance, and corporate reputation. Therefore, we approach risk management not as a reactive process triggered after damages occur, but as a strategic model aimed at identifying risks in advance to mitigate their consequences.
At Howden Turkey, we recognize that each enterprise's sector, facility infrastructure, and operational model create distinct risk profiles, and we develop customized solutions accordingly. From facility- and process-based risk evaluations to analyzing existing protection systems, providing improvement recommendations, and optimizing insurance programs, we evaluate risks holistically. By doing so, we aim to reduce potential losses while reinforcing enterprises' operational resilience and sustainable business continuity.
