GEA and Petrol Ofisi Set Up Fire Extinguishing Stations

GEA and Petrol Ofisi Establish Fire Suppression Stations GEA, which conducts search and rescue, environmental and humanitarian aid operations across Turkey and the world, is establishing fire suppression stations for faster and stronger action against forest fires. One of GEA's fire stations was established in Sazlı Village, Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, with support from Petrol Ofisi. The fire suppression stations, which are planned to be established in İzmir and Antalya in the near term, are equipped with fire-resistant protective materials, hand tools, water pumps, generators and chainsaws for combating forest fires. The fire suppression station, which also includes a container to be used as a living area, contains sections for staff rest and basic needs.

"We take steps thinking not only of our country's present but also its future"

Noting the importance of rapid and effective response in the early stages of forest fire fighting, Petrol Ofisi CEO Selim Şiper said: "Since its establishment, Petrol Ofisi has provided solutions to Turkey's current needs, and we take steps thinking not only of our country's present but also its future. In every problem, as in recent natural disasters and fires, we provided support while fighting the current fires and at the same time took steps thinking of the future. With GEA, with which we already cooperate, we are establishing forest fire suppression stations in specific locations for rapid and effective response to fires that we hope will not occur."

Equipment is critical in rapid and effective fire response

GEA Search and Rescue Coordinator Umut Dinçşahin, referring to their close cooperation with Petrol Ofisi and that they are fuel sponsors, said: "Appropriate equipment is essential for rapid and effective response to forest fires, both for personal safety and for the success of the operation. Fire-resistant protective equipment, appropriate hand tools and machinery are of great value in fighting fires. Therefore, the support provided by Petrol Ofisi is very important. As GEA, we will establish forest fire stations at locations permitted by our facility conditions. We took the first step in Sazlı Village, Ayvacık district of Çanakkale. In the second phase, we will establish forest fire stations in Antalya and İzmir."

Petrol Ofisi provided fire-resistant clothing and fuel supply to aircraft and helicopters

In recent forest fires, Petrol Ofisi provided support to the response efforts both through voluntary participation of its employees and by supplying fire-resistant equipment such as gloves, caps, clothing and boots. Petrol Ofisi also made fuel donations to helicopters and aircraft fighting the fires. In the long-standing cooperation between the two institutions, Petrol Ofisi most recently became GEA's fuel sponsor.

GEA has successfully carried out numerous search and rescue and aid operations in Turkey and worldwide

GEA (Mother Earth), founded in 1994, is a search and rescue, environmental and humanitarian aid group composed entirely of volunteers. To date, GEA teams have conducted search and rescue operations in Turkey and worldwide in all disasters threatening life, reaching people trapped under debris following disasters, and when necessary, carrying out medical and humanitarian aid activities in affected areas. Having successfully completed numerous rescue and aid operations to date, GEA has been working as a member of INSARAG (United Nations International Search and Rescue Teams Advisory Group) since 1999.