Istanbul apartment fire sends four to hospital, building evacuated

A fire erupted in the basement of a five-story residential building in Istanbul's Kağıthane district on Wednesday morning, prompting a swift response from emergency services. The fire, which began around 6:00 AM on Bahar Street in the Çağlayan neighborhood, rapidly intensified, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing through the upper levels of the building.

Firefighters, health teams, and police were dispatched to the scene. While firefighters worked to contain the blaze, police secured the perimeter. The dense smoke trapped several residents, necessitating a rescue operation. Using a ladder truck, firefighters evacuated seven people, including three children, from balconies on the upper floors.

Four individuals who suffered from smoke inhalation received initial medical treatment from paramedics at the scene before being transported to a hospital by ambulance. The entire building was evacuated as a precautionary measure, with some residents gathering outside to watch the emergency response unfold. The fire was brought under control and extinguished by firefighters after approximately one hour of intensive effort.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire. The building was ventilated to clear the accumulated smoke. The incident highlights the dangers of fires in multi-story buildings and the critical importance of rapid emergency response.