Basra fire near Journalists Syndicate building due to ‘accumulated waste’

BASRA — A fire broke out Monday on a vacant lot near the Journalists Syndicate building in Basra’s central Saei area, sending plumes of smoke into surrounding neighborhoods but causing no injuries, according to a local source.

The blaze was reportedly sparked by accumulated flammable waste and debris that had been left unmanaged for an extended period. “The area was prone to ignition due to high temperatures or direct flame sources,” the source told 964media.

Civil defense teams responded swiftly, containing the fire before it could reach nearby buildings. The vicinity includes a mix of media offices, shops, and homes.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause.

Local residents told 964media they urge the municipality to take action against the buildup of waste in abandoned lots, warning of continued environmental and safety risks.

Civil Defense teams in Basra extinguished a fire Sunday at a warehouse storing construction materials and electrical appliances in the Tuwaisa area of central Basra.