Fire damages Sulaymaniyah home, kills hundreds of pigeons worth $100,000

SULAYMANIYAH — A fire broke out late Wednesday night at a home in the Raparin neighborhood of Sulaymaniyah, killing hundreds of pigeons and causing damages estimated at $100,000, according to the homeowner.

The fire began in dry grass behind the house and spread to an upper section of the building where the pigeons were kept. Flames did not reach the main interior of the house.

Haji Zakiya Rashid, the homeowner, told 964media, “Children from the neighborhood informed us that a fire had started behind the house. It later spread to the rooftop birdhouse where many pigeons were kept.”

“Civil defense teams responded quickly and, with the help of neighbors, were able to control the fire. Otherwise, all three floors of the house could have burned,” she said.

No injuries were reported. Rashid said nearly 500 pigeons were lost, some valued at over $1,000 each. “We have no complaints or suspicions about anyone in connection to the fire,” she added.