Fire destroys stores in Kalar’s Rizgari subdistrict, heavy losses reported

KALAR — A fire swept through the central market of Rizgari subdistrict in Sulaymaniyah’s Kalar district early Thursday morning, destroying multiple stores and causing extensive financial losses, according to local shopkeepers.

The blaze broke out before dawn and engulfed seven stores, including shops selling construction materials, glassware, and mobile phones, witnesses said.

“After 2 a.m., we received a phone call informing us our shop was on fire. When I arrived, nothing was left. What little remained was of little use,” said Rashid Hassan, one of the affected shop owners, in an interview with 964media.

Another owner, Hardi Juma, whose store sold construction materials, estimated the damage at tens of thousands of dollars. “Each shop owner lost around $50,000,” he said, adding that they suspect the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit.

Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fire or issue an official statement. An investigation is underway.