Officials enact precautions across the market
Erbil currency market steps up fire safety after Qaysari Bazaar blaze
ERBIL — Erbil’s currency market is taking steps to improve fire safety following a series of major blazes in the city, including the recent inferno that ravaged the historic Qaysari Bazaar.
Over 100 fire extinguishers have been strategically placed throughout the market, spaced every 10 meters for comprehensive coverage, according to Kayfi Khoshnaw, spokesperson for the city’s currency market.
“We are aiming to prevent disasters like the ones that occurred at the Qaysari and Langa bazaars,” Khoshnaw said. “A fire here could be catastrophic for the community.”
Authorities also plan to replace existing nylon coverings on shops’ rooftops with fire-resistant materials.
The moves come after a massive fire tore through Erbil’s Qaysari Bazaar on the evening of May 5. The blaze, which began around 8:30 p.m., destroyed 227 shops and seven warehouses, injuring 132 people. It took firefighters four hours to extinguish the flames.
Located in the heart of Erbil, opposite the historic Citadel, the Qaysari Bazaar is one of the city’s oldest and busiest markets.
In response to the fire, authorities in Sulaymaniyah have issued a directive to shop owners in that city’s Langa Bazaar to replace flammable shop fronts with glass.
Similar to Erbil’s Qaysari, Sulaymaniyah’s Langa Bazaar is a bustling marketplace in the city center, with over 400 shops primarily selling clothing, bags, and footwear. Experts warn that such markets are particularly susceptible to fire hazards.
While some shop owners in Sulaymaniyah have expressed concerns about the cost of replacing their storefronts, local authorities maintain it is a necessary step for fire safety.
“The market is not at risk of fire due to the upgraded and secure electrical system,” said Goran Qadir, head of the joint committees of Sulaymaniyah district. “However, the decision to remove fabric curtains is a preventive measure to further ensure the safety of the market.”
Sulaymaniyah’s Langa Bazaar underwent a complete overhaul of it electrical system following a major fire in 2011, which was attributed then to a short-circuit.
Yasin Nader, a local handbag vendor, commented on the directive, stating, “It’s a good step for fire prevention, but some shop owners are unhappy about the costs involved and feel coerced by the district administration.”
This directive follows similar efforts in Erbil, where Mayor Karzan Abdul Hadi has implemented new regulations to prevent shop owners from setting up displays outside their storefronts. The initiative aims to improve both public safety and the city’s appearance.
“Our teams will continuously monitor compliance, and any shop owner who fails to adhere to these regulations will face penalties,” Abdul Hadi said.