Wildfire Burns 1,000 Dunams in Penjwen Highlands

SULAYMANIYAH — Nearly 1,000 dunams of land were burned by a wildfire last night in the highlands of Malai Nalma in the Nalparez sub-district of Penjwen, Sulaymaniyah. The fire, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, was brought under control by morning.

Sardar Ahmad, head of the Penjween Forestry and Environment Police, told 964media that the fire began late at night and spread rapidly. “A large fire broke out in the highlands of Malai Nalma last night. After being alerted, our teams reached the area and were able to control the fire after about six hours,” he said. “The cause of the fire is still unknown.”

Ahmad said the fire affected vegetation in the Malai Nalma, Yasamal and Kanispi areas. “Nearly 1,000 dunams of land covered with shrubs and pastures were burned, but the forested area and trees in the region were not affected,” he said.

He noted that wind conditions complicated firefighting efforts. “The wind last night made it difficult to control the fire. When it was extinguished in one location, it would erupt again in another,” Ahmad said.

Authorities said this was the largest wildfire reported in Penjwen district this year. Two smaller fires had occurred earlier but were quickly contained.

The fire was eventually controlled with the combined efforts of Penjween’s municipal defense teams, forestry police, local villagers, and environmental volunteers from the Malaka organization.