A GROWING RISK IN FLAMES: A SOCIO-SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE FIRE INCIDENTS IN ISTANBUL

This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the socio-spatial dimensions of the recent increase in fire incidents in Istanbul. The purpose of the research is to identify the underlying causes, spatial patterns, and socio-economic determinants of urban fire risks, and to develop evidence-based recommendations for effective fire management policies. The research analyzes the primary causes of fires, their spatial distribution patterns, response times, and frequency across districts. The findings reveal that fires caused by electrical faults constitute the most dominant type of fire incident in the city. This is particularly evident in areas where technical infrastructure is outdated and maintenance is inadequate, thereby heightening the risk of fire. Building fires account for a significant portion of total incidents, while vehicle and natural area fires represent other critical dimensions of urban fire risk. Spatial distribution analyses across districts indicate that fire frequency is significantly higher in densely populated and rapidly urbanizing areas such as Esenyurt, Bağcılar, and Pendik. Response times of firefighting services are shorter in central urban areas due to better-developed infrastructure and transportation networks; however, they are relatively longer in peripheral and forested regions. These data suggest that fire risk is not only associated with physical and technical infrastructure deficiencies but also shaped by socio-economic factors and spatial inequalities. In conclusion, enhancing the effectiveness of fire management in Istanbul requires the modernization of infrastructure, public awareness initiatives, strengthening firefighting capacity, and the integration of spatial risk maps with socio-economic parameters. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary and multidimensional approaches to fire prevention and offers a comprehensive perspective to guide policymakers and practitioners in the field.