The Disaster Platform answers this question by saying that we must learn to live with disasters. While acknowledging that fires are a natural part of the climate cycle in Turkey, it emphasizes that this natural cycle has become more destructive and uncontrollable due to the effects of the climate crisis.
“This is not a sign of helplessness; on the contrary, it means embracing preparedness and resilient living. At the point where we cannot prevent fires, measures to reduce their impact, rapid intervention, cooling efforts, and raising public awareness are of vital importance. Resilient communities against fires can only be achieved through preparedness and collective action.”
So how can this unity be achieved? During almost every fire, we talk about the inadequacies of local governments, ministry officials, or AFAD, and the extraordinary efforts of civil society and volunteers. How can civil society prepare for fires?
The Disaster Platform says that institutions and communities need to conduct regular training and drills to be prepared for fires and strengthen their own operational resilience. However, according to the platform, even before that, “Civil society's most basic responsibility regarding fires begins with preparing its own Emergency and Action Plan. This plan is necessary for everyone, whether it is an institution, a community initiative, or an individual.”
The Disaster Platform emphasizes that civil society must not only prepare itself but also disseminate this knowledge through information and awareness campaigns to enhance the overall preparedness level of society:
“It is important to remember that societal resilience is directly proportional to the preparedness level of institutions, communities, and individuals.”