Massive forest fire in Qaradagh brought under control after 20 hours

SULAYMANIYAH — A forest fire that burned for nearly 20 hours across parts of Qaradagh in Sulaymaniyah governorate has been brought under control, according to the region’s Forest and Environment Police Directorate.

The fire affected swathes of rural land surrounding the villages of Asteli Khwaru, Daloja, Awai Sheikh Mustafa, and Koshki Saru. Teams from multiple outposts were dispatched to the scene under the supervision of the Qaradagh forest police unit.

In a statement, the directorate said, “With the cooperation and coordination of our local units, supported by the Sulaimaniyah forest police command, civil defense, air support teams, and residents of the affected areas, we worked together to extinguish and control the fire. However, due to the region’s difficult terrain, dense forest cover, and strong winds, the process was extremely challenging.”

The statement added that several officers and personnel experienced breathing difficulties and health complications during the firefighting efforts.

Authorities confirmed that the fire is now under control and that an investigation is underway to determine the cause. Preliminary assessments estimate that more 62 acres of forest, brush, and pastureland were burned.

“Unfortunately, large numbers of trees have been lost,” the forest police said. “We are continuing serious investigations to determine what caused the fire.”