A fire at a perfume depot in northwestern Turkey on Saturday morning killed six people and left one person injured, officials said.
The blaze broke out early on Saturday in a storage facility that handled concentrated perfumes and related products, and emergency teams raced to the scene as smoke and flames spread through the building. Local authorities described a rapid escalation, with fire crews working under intense heat and a heavy smell of chemicals. Nearby residents reported hearing alarms and seeing thick plumes of smoke, prompting an immediate response from multiple stations. Officials confirmed casualties as rescue and firefighting operations continued into the day.
Rescuers faced hazardous conditions because of the volatile materials stored at the depot, which complicated both suppression and search efforts. Perfume concentrates and solvent-based products can ignite quickly and produce toxic fumes, making entry risky even for experienced teams. Firefighters had to adapt tactics to limit exposure and avoid secondary explosions, coordinating with hazardous materials units to monitor air quality. That caution slowed internal searches but was necessary to prevent further harm.
Emergency services set up a perimeter and evacuated nearby structures as a safety measure while the flames were being tackled from multiple angles. Witnesses described seeing a steady stream of emergency vehicles and personnel in protective gear moving around the site. Authorities worked to establish command zones to manage operations, triage the injured and account for employees who might have been inside. The injured person was taken to a local hospital and reported to be receiving treatment, while officials continued to search for causes.
Investigators began preliminary inquiries to determine how the fire started, examining storage practices, ventilation systems and any potential ignition sources inside the depot. Warehousing of flammable liquids requires strict compliance with safety standards, and investigators are expected to review documentation about permits and inspections. Officials said they would analyze surveillance footage, interview witnesses and review maintenance records as part of a standard probe. Findings from the initial phase will guide whether broader regulatory or legal actions follow.
Local government spokespeople emphasized the difficulty of fighting blazes in facilities that contain both flammable and scented substances, noting the dual challenge of containment and toxic exposure. The smell of perfumes that usually fills such facilities can suddenly become hazardous when combined with smoke, complicating evacuations and respiratory protection. Experts pointed out that even closed containers can contribute to dangerous vapor concentrations under intense heat. That reality shaped both the rescue timeline and the choices made by on-scene commanders.
Community leaders urged calm while emergency services completed their work, asking citizens to heed evacuation orders and avoid the area to let crews operate without obstruction. Neighborhoods downwind were asked to close windows and stay indoors until air-quality checks confirmed the absence of harmful fumes. Volunteers coordinated with relief groups to offer temporary shelter for displaced workers and residents. The focus remained on supporting those affected and ensuring a safe environment once containment was achieved.
Insurance and regulatory officials are likely to get involved in the aftermath, assessing damages and compliance with safety regulations at the depot. Companies that handle fragrance concentrates typically carry specific coverages for fire-related losses and may face audits over their storage and handling practices. Depending on the investigation, penalties or mandated corrective measures could follow to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, businesses nearby and supply chains that relied on the depot may see short-term disruptions as recovery and cleanup proceed.
Authorities stated that detailed information on the identity of the victims and a final count would be released as next-of-kin notifications and formal reports were completed. The community expressed sorrow and sympathy for those who lost their lives and for the injured person receiving care. Officials asked anyone with relevant information or footage to share it with investigators to help piece together the sequence of events. The investigation will aim to provide a clear explanation and guide steps to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
