Works and practices of fire departments in disaster and emergency management: The case of Elazig

People are exposed to natural, meteorological, man-made and technological disasters from ancient times to the present. Although each society creates disaster and emergency management according to the requirements of the disaster and emergency situation it experiences, there is a disaster and emergency management accepted by everyone around the world. The devastating effects of disasters and emergencies can be minimized if not completely eliminated by good management before, during and after the disaster. It is seen that the phases of disaster and emergency management are managed and implemented more successfully in developed countries compared to underdeveloped or developing countries. In developing Turkey, there are more studies after disaster management phases. In this study, fire brigades, which are in every stage of the disaster and have a wide range of work and responsibilities in emergency situations, were examined. Especially the activities of the Elazig Fire Department about disaster and emergency situations in the earthquake that occurred in Elazig on January 24, 2020 and in 2014-2022. and analyzed by interview method. In this study, determinations and suggestions about the work and practices of fire brigades, primarily Elazig Fire Brigade, are given in disaster and emergency management.