Post-wildfire assessment and fire resilience strategies: a case study from Turkiye, with a critical evaluation of NRC-2021

What is it about?

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, especially in areas where human settlements meet wildlands. This study focuses on the impact of the 2021 Manavgat wildfire in Turkey, which caused significant damage to buildings in the region. Researchers examined 210 buildings that were severely damaged or collapsed to understand how different construction types, namely reinforced concrete, steel, and masonry responded to the fire. The study found that buildings with wooden components, like roofs and beams, were particularly vulnerable to fire. Once these components burned, they often led to the collapse of the entire structure. Reinforced concrete buildings also suffered when their protective layers were damaged, exposing the steel inside to high temperatures, which weakened the building. Steel structures faced challenges too, as high temperatures caused them to lose strength and stability. The research emphasizes the importance of using fire-resistant materials and designs in buildings located in wildfire-prone areas. It also compares the damage observed in Manavgat to guidelines from Canada's National Guide for Wildland-Urban Interface Fires, highlighting the need for improved building practices to reduce future wildfire risks. This study underscores the critical need for better fire protection measures to safeguard buildings and communities in areas at risk of wildfires.

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