Major blaze hits cosmetics store in Erbil

ERBIL — A major fire engulfed a cosmetics shop near Langa bazaar in Erbil on Sunday evening, prompting swift action from civil defense teams to contain the blaze. Efforts brought the fire under control, according to local authorities.

Mohammed Salam, the shop owner, told 964media that the fire started at the back of the beauty products store, accompanied by a loud noise. “When we went to check, we saw flames spreading,” he said.

Salam suspects the cause may have been an electrical short circuit. “With the help of my assistant, we tried to put out the fire, but it didn’t stop,” he added.

He estimated his losses at nearly $100,000, stating, “I couldn’t save anything.”

The incident contributes to the growing number of fire cases reported in Erbil in 2024. Between January and October, the Erbil Civil Defense documented 2,057 fire incidents, with dried grass and shrubs as the leading cause, responsible for 842 cases. The fires claimed 46 lives, including 22 due to burns and 24 from suffocation, while 89 others were injured. Civil Defense teams successfully rescued 56 individuals and 11 vehicles during these emergencies.