Swiftly brought under control
Fire breaks out in Erbil’s RT Bank
ERBIL — A fire erupted at RT Bank in Erbil on June 6, stemming from a malfunctioning device in the bank’s server room.
Lieutenant Colonel Shakhawan Saeed, spokesperson for Erbil Civil Defense, attributed the fire to a technical issue, stating, “The fire originated from a short circuit in a USB device. Civil defense teams promptly responded to the incident, and the bank’s fire suppression system effectively contained the blaze.”
RT Bank is a key participant in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s salary domiciliation My Account program. This program aims to streamline salary delivery to civil servants, pensioners, and social welfare recipients, enhancing government transparency and efficiency.
This incident is part of a concerning trend of fires in Erbil this year, with 407 reported cases by June. The surge in fires, which began in January, has resulted in 19 fatalities, 58 injuries, and the destruction of 94 vehicles. Notable incidents include a major fire at the historic Qaysari Bazaar in May and another at the Langa Bazaar in April, raising significant concerns about fire safety standards in the city.