Large fire breaks out in Sulaymaniyah industrial area, affecting several stores

SULAYMANIYAH – A major fire erupted on Monday evening in Sulaymaniyah’s industrial area, engulfing several large stores and shops. Firefighters are still battling to contain the blaze as it continues to spread across multiple facilities.

The fire has affected various businesses, including a water bottling plant and facilities producing cardboard and nylon products. Efforts to control the flames have been hindered by the sheer size of the affected area and the complexity of the fire.

One store owner, speaking to 964media, said, “The fire was caused by Isogum works at the water bottling plant, where there were no safety measures in place, leading to the fire outbreak.”

Isogum is a type of waterproofing material commonly used in construction. It is made from bitumen and synthetic rubber and is typically used to prevent water infiltration in structures like roofs and walls. 964media has not independently verified the claim, and officials have yet to determine the official cause of the fire.

However, Isogum can be flammable during its torch-on application, posing fire risks if safety measures are not followed.​

While no fatalities have been reported, the financial toll is significant. One store owner estimated the damages to his business at nearly $1.5 million.

The head of Sulaymaniyah’s 122 emergency services, Saman Nader, reported that five people had suffered breathing difficulties due to the fire. Four were treated on-site, while one individual was transported to the hospital for further care.

Civil defense teams remain on-site, continuing their efforts to bring the fire under control.