Sustainable Development Goals and Fire Departments

Yusuf Doğan GÜRER, Deputy Operations Director of the Istanbul Fire Department, states that it is critically important for fire departments to be prepared for the new risks introduced by micromobility vehicles and to adopt sustainability principles for their future success.

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) developed the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and presented it for approval to the UN General Assembly. This initiative is a continuation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) launched in 2000 and aims to mark a new era in global development.

The SDGs aim to develop sustainable alternatives to current development models that threaten the health of humans and other living beings, lead to income inequality, excessively consume natural resources, and trigger climate change. In this context, it offers a holistic approach that combines economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability to build a more livable future.

While the success of the SDGs to date remains a subject of debate, it can be said that the concept of sustainability has gained more global importance as a result. These goals are thought to have laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of sustainable practices by fostering inter-sectoral collaboration. However, to implement the SDGs effectively, public, private sectors, and civil society organizations must work together with a shared vision and strategies.

The increasing awareness of sustainability has strengthened the place of the SDGs in the global development agenda. This situation highlights the need for sectors to integrate sustainability principles into their business models and adopt more environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically sustainable practices. The success of the SDGs will be directly proportional to the commitment of all stakeholders to sustainability and the concrete steps they take in this direction.

The United Nations' Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction aims to increase the resilience of societies to disasters and emergencies. It is essentially an initiative running parallel to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, sustainability and resilience do not always go hand in hand. While the UN's SDGs aim to transform the global understanding of development, they also bring new risks and challenges for fire departments, which serve as the first barrier between the civil population and dangerous situations in the face of disasters.

The adoption of the SDGs creates the need for fire departments to update their operational procedures and restructure their facilities. New-generation emergencies, such as electric vehicle fires, solar panel-related incidents, and wind turbine accidents, represent the first points of contact for fire departments with the concept of sustainability.

Our experience with newly developed technologies and applications is unfortunately limited, and we do not yet know how they might harm people in cases of malfunction, failure, or breakage. This situation creates an unintended contradiction.

The UN's SDGs, while aiming to transform global development, also introduce new risks and challenges for fire departments, which form the first barrier between the civil population and dangerous situations in the face of disasters. The adoption of the SDGs necessitates the updating of operational procedures and restructuring of fire department facilities. New-generation emergencies, such as electric vehicle fires, incidents in complex and large buildings, solar panel fires, and engineered wood building fires, represent the first points of contact for fire departments with the concept of sustainability.

Over time, it is expected that the SDGs will play a larger role in national policies and become a criterion for the success of organizations in the eyes of the public. This indicates that it is critical for fire departments to be prepared for sustainability issues, as it will shape their future roles.

The concept of sustainability often overlooks the element of resilience. While new technologies and applications are being developed, the risks they bring are not adequately assessed. This is clearly seen in areas such as electric vehicles, engineered wooden materials, and insulation coatings. Although the UN's Sendai Framework calls for the development of policies to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities, strategies to achieve the SDGs often neglect resilience. This oversight negatively affects society and exposes fire departments to new risks.

The United Nations' SDGs aim to transform the global understanding of development, but they also introduce new risks and challenges for fire departments, which form the first barrier between the civil population and dangerous situations in the face of disasters. The adoption of the SDGs creates the need for fire departments to update their operational procedures and restructure their facilities. New-generation emergencies, such as electric vehicle fires, solar panel-related incidents, and wind turbine accidents, represent the first points of contact for fire departments with the concept of sustainability.

Fire safety research is primarily related to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Fire departments' fire prevention and intervention services are directly connected to these goals.

However, firefighting encompasses a broad range of services beyond just fire safety. Fire departments that respond to medical emergencies, law enforcement incidents, and other emergencies also influence the sustainability of the city with their operational activities, facing the potential negative effects of sustainability policies directly.

It is critical for fire departments to be prepared for the new risks posed by the SDGs and to adopt sustainability principles for their future success. Resilience should not be overlooked, the risks of sustainable solutions must be considered, and fire safety standards need to be updated. By maintaining a balance between sustainability and resilience, fire departments can continue to contribute to the well-being of society.

In the contradiction between sustainability and resilience, fire departments, which play an active role in protecting human life and restoring public order during disasters and emergencies, view resilience as something desirable. As the risks of new technologies become more widespread, they are gradually understood by society. Unfortunately, lives are lost before the risks of these technologies are fully comprehended. Making these new technologies resilient and establishing new standards requires time and cost. Unfortunately, regulatory bodies often fail to respond until the risks created by these technologies result in significant losses. On the other hand, the parties developing these new technologies sometimes push ethical boundaries, inadequately testing the safety of their products and, at times, even ignoring safety concerns.

The clearest example of this situation can be seen in exterior fires. The energy efficiency of buildings is crucial for the limited consumption of resources. As a result, we apply insulation systems to our buildings. Following a fire in 2017 that claimed the lives of 72 people, the investigation revealed a truly shocking situation. In 2009, a fire broke out in a building in the UK called Lakanal, resulting in the deaths of six people. Architects who investigated this incident warned regulatory bodies that in a similar fire, the death toll could be 10-12 times higher. However, officials found the numbers exaggerated and dismissed the architects' warnings, who called for stricter regulations for insulation systems, by saying, "Show me the bodies." Yet, reports from experts, including Torero, during the investigation revealed that insulation systems are complex structures, and the burning behavior of the materials used could develop differently than what the test data indicated, depending on the design of the system. The details of this incident, which gave its name to the book "Show Me The Bodies" analyzing the Grenfell Fire by Peter App, are documented in the same book.

On the other extreme of the scale are environments that view developments from a safety and security perspective and adopt a prohibitionist mentality that rejects innovation. Instead of banning sustainable technologies that benefit humanity because of the risks they pose, the main goal should be to find ways to reduce and manage these risks.

Today, it has been observed that safety and security information, news about accidents in the public eye, and even many scientific studies are often part of lobbying efforts by parties advocating for competing technologies. Considering that the average population may not have sufficient knowledge, especially regarding fire, health, and safety issues, the importance of independent regulatory bodies supported by strong legislation becomes even more significant.

One of the most important technologies emerging in recent years for sustainable cities is the lithium-ion battery technology used in cars and micromobility vehicles. Thanks to this technology, we can protect the air in our cities from being polluted by exhaust fumes and breathe cleaner, healthier air. However, the safety regulations required by this technology are not fully understood yet. Lithium batteries have a combustion problem, and their burning behavior is quite different from conventional fuels. Batteries produced with this technology show a faster fire development compared to the standard fire curve we use when designing our buildings, and the fire measures we have developed so far may be inadequate to suppress and contain these fires. While technologies are being developed in the industry to control the unstable combustion behavior of this technology, and manufacturing standards are being created, the need arises to reorganize the buildings that form our living environment in a way that limits this risk.

The significant impact of electric vehicle fires brings to mind the idea of banning these vehicles from entering closed parking lots for many fire safety experts. With the global direction of technology, global environmental policies supporting this sustainable technology, and the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, this seems impossible. However, in order to avoid repeating the example set by insulation systems, it seems essential to update the fire regulations related to closed parking lots based on the incidents that have occurred so far, and to create administrative mechanisms to manage existing parking lots according to these risks in order to increase resilience. In homes, the safety of residents must also be reconsidered in case of fire caused by charging micromobility vehicles like electric scooters and bikes. When the batteries of these devices catch fire, the speed at which the fire spreads and the house fills with smoke causes the escape time to shorten. How to store battery-powered bikes and scooters in indoor spaces is still a question mark.

Another way to reduce our carbon footprint is to use renewable building materials. Among these, wood stands out. We are seeing engineered wood materials being used in high-rise buildings in some countries. However, fire regulations and testing methods do not yet allow for a complete understanding of the fire risks posed by such structures. When a test method is used for a material, the test conditions must be compatible with the building system in which the material will be used. Unfortunately, traditional test methods do not always provide this compatibility. The article "Rise of the Euroclass" by Angus Law and others explains the context in which traditional fire tests have developed, their limits, and how they are accepted by the EU. Those who read the article will see that engineered wood building systems and exterior facade systems are quite far from these contexts.

Today's fire departments are fighting not only to adapt their operations to a sustainable world but also to adapt to the risks posed by sustainable technologies. In any combustion or accident situation, even the developers of these products are not completely sure what could go wrong, yet firefighters, like laboratory mice, try to control the situation without fully understanding what they are dealing with. Of course, many painful experiences are being gained. If the units of governments that develop regulations related to these technologies manage to use fire departments as a sensory organ to detect new risks, it will be possible to develop more effective measures and intervention methods in the future.

If we examine the sustainable development goals in terms of their impact on fire departments, I believe the evaluation will closely resemble the table below.

Sustainable Development Goals and Fire Departments

Making the firefighting profession sustainable from a health perspective: 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified firefighting as one of the most high-risk professions for cancer. Additionally, firefighting has been identified as one of the most heart-stressing jobs among those performed by humans. Prolonged duties during the extended forest fire and storm seasons make it challenging for firefighters to maintain a healthy family life.

Increase in Forest Fires: 

The prolonged fire season and wildfires have increased the demand for personnel, vehicles, and other resources. The creation of forest roads has facilitated vehicle access to forest fires, while also necessitating the development of alternative preventive strategies, especially in  fuel management. Establishing early warning systems and ensuring that these systems provide access to first responders is crucial.

Increase in Meteorological Disasters: 

In order to combat the widespread effects of occurring disasters, fire departments need an increase in personnel and equipment. Establishing early warning systems and ensuring that these systems provide access to first responders is necessary.

Facade Fires: 

New testing methods need to be developed for the materials used in exterior insulation to ensure energy efficiency. Especially in high-rise buildings, a large number of firefighters are required from the first minutes of the incident to prevent mass casualties. Designs are needed to prevent the spread of fires from facades into the interior of the building. The building and testing regulations related to exterior systems need to be updated.

Green Facades: 

Fires developing in green facades spread rapidly, and in high-rise buildings, the risk of the fire spreading into the interior of the building, especially on upper floors, becomes more significant. The building and testing regulations related to green facade systems need to be updated.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles: 

Fires in electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles release energy and toxic gases more quickly than those in internal combustion engine vehicles. Fire safety measures designed for parking garages intended for internal combustion engine vehicles may be insufficient for these types of vehicles. 

Regulations are needed for charging stations in enclosed parking garages. Fire departments require appropriate equipment and additional training to better manage fires in these vehicles.

Photovoltaic Systems:

Solar panels in photovoltaic systems make firefighting interventions more difficult and pose a risk of electric shock to responders. The training curriculum should address this risk. 

Fire departments should plan and provide equipment to cover solar panels and stop electricity generation during interventions. Energy storage systems present additional fire and explosion risks for firefighters.

Large and Expansive Buildings: 

As urban populations grow and construction technologies advance, the size of buildings is increasing. Shafts, exterior systems, and large, undivided open spaces in large buildings can accelerate fire development and complicate firefighting operations from within. These types of risks need to be included in regulations, and inspection mechanisms should be strengthened. 

Recycling Facilities: 

Recycling facilities can house various materials, presenting unpredictable risks for firefighters. In fires occurring in these facilities, the cost of extinguishing the fire may exceed the value of the materials burned. Strong regulations regarding the operation of these facilities and recycling procedures should be established. Inspection mechanisms should be put in place to ensure fire and environmental safety in recycling facilities.

Wooden Structures: 

In the Western world, wood has started to be used as a building material for apartment buildings, including skyscrapers. Regulations and inspection mechanisms should be established for this. Specific risks related to fires that may develop in these structures should be assessed, and firefighting strategies should be developed accordingly.

Control of Firefighting Water and Foam: 

Fires in places like factories, recycling facilities, etc., often involve burning materials that are chemically hazardous. When water and foam used for extinguishing overflow from the fire scene, these pollutants spread into nature. In rural areas, the pollution caused by firefighting materials affects surrounding fields, lakes, rivers, and seas, negatively impacting local wildlife. Although firefighting foam is biodegradable, it contains fluoride, which makes it hazardous to health. Factories and industrial zones should take preventive measures regarding the drainage of firefighting water. The fire department must collaborate with environmental cleanup units to implement steps and techniques that prevent such pollution.

Drought: 

Fires that have completely lost their economic value and pose no risk of spreading can be left to burn controlled, preventing water waste. It is important for fire departments using this tactic to establish an effective public awareness method. Water consumption can be reduced by using certain additives that increase water efficiency. However, the materials used should comply with standards and a feasibility study must be conducted.

Female Firefighters: 

As gender equality is one of the sustainable development goals, equal opportunities should be provided for women in all fire departments. All uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be purchased to fit women. Suitable station areas for women should be created. Work planning should be arranged so that female personnel are not exposed to chemicals at fire sites during pregnancy, throughout their pregnancy, and until the end of the breastfeeding period.

Sustainable Stations: 

Photovoltaic systems can be installed in stations to reduce energy demand. Greywater ystems can be used in stations and training areas to recycle the water and foam used by firefighters during training and cleaning, making it reusable. Special washing areas and machines should be available to clean PAHs and other carcinogens from firefighters' PPE and other equipment. Stations should be divided into clean and dirty areas, and the entry of pollutants from operations into clean areas must be controlled. Processes for the recovery of torn firefighting uniforms should be established.

Disadvantaged Groups: 

Tent cities, camps, and other temporary shelter areas where disaster survivors or refugees reside have unique fire safety risks. Since the communities living in these areas are often more vulnerable to the effects of fire, fire safety in these regions must be specially planned. In areas with high concentrations of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with different native languages, fire safety inspections should be strict, and awareness campaigns should be prioritized.

Sustainable Legislation: 

Fire, disaster, building design, land use, local government, environmental, and all related regulations should be harmonized to manage building permit processes in a way that eliminates potential risks arising from sustainable technologies.

Sustainable development goals aim to build a more livable future by preserving environmental, economic, and social balance. However, the new technologies and applications emerging during the implementation of these goals present unforeseen risks for fire departments. Many new-generation threats, such as electric vehicle fires, the combustibility of wooden buildings, and the challenges of emergency intervention in solar energy systems, make it necessary to restructure fire services.

When the balance between sustainability and resilience is not considered, people's safety can be jeopardized. Therefore, while developing sustainable policies, fire safety standards should be updated, legislation renewed, and support provided for training and infrastructure to help fire departments adapt to  these changes. Additionally, through public, private sector, and academic cooperation, the risks of new technologies should be identified in advance, and necessary precautions should be taken.

Fire departments are critical actors not only in dealing with fires but also in addressing global issues such as climate change, disasters, and social inequalities. Therefore, while achieving sustainable development goals, strengthening the capacity of fire services and enhancing community resilience are of great importance. Only in this way can both environmental sustainability be ensured, and human life and public safety be protected.

Resources

1.United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals, https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda

2.Lovreglio, R., Wang, X. & Rein, G. The UN Sustainable Development Goals and Fire Technology. Fire Technol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-023-01494-5

3.McNamee, M., Meacham, B.J. Conceptual Basis for a Sustainable and Fire Resilient Built Environment. Fire Technol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-023-01490-9

4.Wildfires – a growing concern for sustainable development, United Nations https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/publication/PB_111.pdf

5.Cerdà, A. The Role of Fire in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Proceedings 2019, 30, 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2019030065

6.Sardqvist Stefan, Presentation at IFIW 2023, Seganosa, Spain

7.Peter App, Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen 2022 Oneworld Publising

8.Angus Law, Graham Spinardi, Luke Bisby; The rise of the Euroclass: Inside the black box of fire test standardisation, Fire Safety Journal,Volume 135,bn 2023

Doğan Gürer - FLS Europe.pdf

Download PDF • 5.98MB