Fire on Mount Zozik in Soran scorches acres of forestland

SORAN – A large fire broke out late Wednesday on Mount Zozik in the Soran Autonomous Administration, Erbil, requiring a nine-hour operation by firefighting teams to bring it under control.

According to the Soran Autonomous Administration’s Civil Defense, 14 teams, including 65 personnel and eight officers, along with two forest police teams, an emergency response unit, and several local volunteers, were mobilized to contain the blaze. The rugged terrain and strong winds made it difficult for teams to reach the site, slowing their efforts.

Karwan Mirawdali, director of civil defense in Soran, told 964media that while the cause of the fire remains undetermined, there are suspicions it may have been deliberately set. “In previous years, we have encountered similar situations,” Mirawdali said. “At the end of August and the beginning of September, locals have been known to set trees on fire to clear them for winter use. Just last week, two individuals were arrested in connection with similar actions.”

The fire scorched an estimated approximately 37 to 49 acres of forestland. Mirawdali highlighted the environmental damage caused by the blaze. “Many animals and birds inhabit that area, but because the fire occurred at night, we couldn’t assess the full extent of the impact. However, we suspect that a significant number of them were harmed or killed,” he said. The fire also significantly polluted the air and environment in the surrounding area.

This incident follows a series of fires reported in the area. On July 21, eight separate fires were reported along Hamilton Road near Zozik Mountain, affecting large areas of vegetation and aged trees near the villages of Berzewa and Hware Kon, raising further suspicions of arson.

Two years ago, another major fire on Mount Zozik took over 24 hours to extinguish.