INTERVIEWS
Whether caused by human error or natural factors, fire can result in serious loss of life and property if adequate precautions are not taken in time. When considering ways to reduce the impact of fire, active measures such as fire suppression systems, detectors, and extinguishers are usually the first solutions that come to mind. However, these systems are primarily effective during the initial stages of a fire and may not be sufficient on their own in large-scale incidents. This is where passive fire safety solutions, which help delay the spread of fire, become just as vital as active systems.
Fire safety should be considered from the very beginning of the building design process. It must be supported by the selection of appropriate materials, applications that comply with regulations, and comprehensive insulation solutions. Fire insulation slows the spread of fire to other parts of a building, providing valuable time for evacuation, enabling firefighters to intervene more effectively, and helping prevent the incident from escalating into a larger disaster.
One of the most reliable materials used in fire insulation applications is **stone wool. Produced by melting natural stone at temperatures between 1,350°C and 1,500°C, stone wool is highly resistant to heat and is classified as an A1 non-combustible material according to TS EN 13162. Stone wool boards can be manufactured in different densities and thicknesses and are widely used in residential buildings, industrial facilities, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, and educational buildings. By limiting both the horizontal and vertical spread of fire, they contribute significantly to building safety.
Stone wool can be applied to both interior and exterior areas, including floor separations, adjoining walls, stairwells and elevator shafts, roof and façade systems, air-conditioning ducts, and chimneys. Thanks to its resistance to high temperatures, it helps restrict the spread of fire while also limiting the passage of smoke and heat, thereby reducing other harmful effects associated with fire.
Through our work both as a company and as representatives of the industry, we observe that investors and building users are becoming increasingly conscious not only of aesthetics, but also of issues such as earthquake and fire resistance, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and waterproofing. This growing awareness does more than improve individual safety; it also contributes to the development of the industry and to a higher overall quality of life.
Insulation provides a wide range of benefits. When correctly designed and applied, insulation can deliver energy savings of up to 60% in a building. During emergencies such as fires, it can support safer evacuation while also contributing to healthier, more comfortable, and more sustainable living environments. In addition, well-insulated buildings can offer greater value as long-term investments.
Although fire safety regulations in Türkiye are comprehensive, one of the main challenges lies in implementation and inspection. The use of low-cost, poor-quality products and applications that fail to meet established standards can create significant risks. At this point, responsibility must be shared by all stakeholders, from public authorities to industry professionals. Ensuring that fire-resistant products are properly certified, expanding performance testing, and providing adequate training for installers and applicators are of critical importance.
We must remember that fire safety is not a matter of preference, but a vital necessity. As a company operating in a field that directly concerns human life and safety, we are fully aware of the responsibility we carry. With this awareness, we remain committed not only to providing high-quality products, but also to doing our part to increase awareness throughout our industry and society as a whole.
Fire Safety Is a Necessity: Safer Buildings Are Possible with Stone Wool
Unfortunately, 2025 began with devastating fire incidents. The hotel fires that occurred in Kartalkaya in January and, more recently, in Uludağ once again revealed that our country is still not sufficiently prepared when it comes to fire safety. While these tragedies remain etched in our memories because of the lives lost, they also highlighted the consequences of negligence in building safety.Whether caused by human error or natural factors, fire can result in serious loss of life and property if adequate precautions are not taken in time. When considering ways to reduce the impact of fire, active measures such as fire suppression systems, detectors, and extinguishers are usually the first solutions that come to mind. However, these systems are primarily effective during the initial stages of a fire and may not be sufficient on their own in large-scale incidents. This is where passive fire safety solutions, which help delay the spread of fire, become just as vital as active systems.
Fire safety should be considered from the very beginning of the building design process. It must be supported by the selection of appropriate materials, applications that comply with regulations, and comprehensive insulation solutions. Fire insulation slows the spread of fire to other parts of a building, providing valuable time for evacuation, enabling firefighters to intervene more effectively, and helping prevent the incident from escalating into a larger disaster.
One of the most reliable materials used in fire insulation applications is **stone wool. Produced by melting natural stone at temperatures between 1,350°C and 1,500°C, stone wool is highly resistant to heat and is classified as an A1 non-combustible material according to TS EN 13162. Stone wool boards can be manufactured in different densities and thicknesses and are widely used in residential buildings, industrial facilities, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, and educational buildings. By limiting both the horizontal and vertical spread of fire, they contribute significantly to building safety.
Stone wool can be applied to both interior and exterior areas, including floor separations, adjoining walls, stairwells and elevator shafts, roof and façade systems, air-conditioning ducts, and chimneys. Thanks to its resistance to high temperatures, it helps restrict the spread of fire while also limiting the passage of smoke and heat, thereby reducing other harmful effects associated with fire.
Through our work both as a company and as representatives of the industry, we observe that investors and building users are becoming increasingly conscious not only of aesthetics, but also of issues such as earthquake and fire resistance, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and waterproofing. This growing awareness does more than improve individual safety; it also contributes to the development of the industry and to a higher overall quality of life.
Insulation provides a wide range of benefits. When correctly designed and applied, insulation can deliver energy savings of up to 60% in a building. During emergencies such as fires, it can support safer evacuation while also contributing to healthier, more comfortable, and more sustainable living environments. In addition, well-insulated buildings can offer greater value as long-term investments.
Although fire safety regulations in Türkiye are comprehensive, one of the main challenges lies in implementation and inspection. The use of low-cost, poor-quality products and applications that fail to meet established standards can create significant risks. At this point, responsibility must be shared by all stakeholders, from public authorities to industry professionals. Ensuring that fire-resistant products are properly certified, expanding performance testing, and providing adequate training for installers and applicators are of critical importance.
We must remember that fire safety is not a matter of preference, but a vital necessity. As a company operating in a field that directly concerns human life and safety, we are fully aware of the responsibility we carry. With this awareness, we remain committed not only to providing high-quality products, but also to doing our part to increase awareness throughout our industry and society as a whole.