Strong Reaction from Gizem Özcan to Göcek Tunnel Allegations: “Charging Vehicles Going to the Fire is Unacceptable”

Deputy Chairperson of the NEW Party Responsible for Legal and Election Affairs and Muğla MP Gizem Özcan issued a written statement regarding allegations that some fire-fighting vehicles responding to forest fires in Fethiye and Seydikemer were not allowed to pass through the Göcek Tunnel on the grounds that a toll fee was requested.

Özcan stated that the allegations are unacceptable and emphasized that fire-fighting vehicles should be considered within the scope of urgent intervention. She noted that the claims that vehicles which paid the toll were allowed through the tunnel, while teams unable to pay were forced to go around Göcek Mountain, could have serious consequences. Özcan described the situation not just as negligence but as a grave issue endangering lives and property.

Highlighting the critical importance of the first minutes in firefighting, Özcan said, “A forest vehicle trying to reach the fire is no different than an ambulance at that moment. Placing a toll booth in front of these vehicles is an obstacle to fighting the fire. If intervention is delayed, forests, residential areas, and living beings may suffer irreversible damage.”

Özcan asserted that the responsibility for the delays must be clarified and that those accountable should account for any damages caused by late arrival to the fire.

Criticizing the government in her statement, Özcan claimed that these events revealed unpreparedness in fire and disaster management. She emphasized that the failure to guarantee the passage of emergency intervention vehicles in advance and unconditionally leads to loss of time during crises, and called on the relevant public institutions to take immediate action.

Özcan demanded a full investigation of the incident, initiation of administrative and judicial procedures against those responsible, and legal assurance for the unconditional and free passage of fire trucks and other emergency intervention vehicles through toll points.