Wildfires scorch 370 acres of forests and farmline in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH — Wildfires have destroyed more than 370 acres of forest, pasture and farmland in two separate incidents across Sulaymaniyah governorate, local forestry police said Monday, as investigations continue into the causes of both blazes.

The largest fire erupted early Monday in the Zamnako area of Darbandikhan district, burning nearly 247 acres. The Sulaymaniyah Forestry and Environment Police said in a statement that firefighting teams, along with local civil defense crews and villagers, responded to the scene and worked to contain the flames.

Efforts were hampered by landmines and unexploded ordnance in the area, with multiple explosions reported during the response. “These explosions made firefighting operations more difficult and intensified the fire in some areas,” the statement said.

Authorities said the fire was eventually brought under control. Initial assessments estimated damage to around 247 acres of forest and grazing land. “The environmental and ecological impact on the region is substantial,” the forestry police said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A separate blaze the previous night damaged roughly 123 acres of woodland and farmland in the Barzinja subdistrict of Sulaymaniyah’s Said Sadiq district, spreading across the Chnarah and Basaka villages.

The Barzinja Forestry and Environment Police said coordinated efforts with residents helped contain the fire. One person suspected of starting the blaze has been arrested, and a formal investigation is underway.

“A rapid inquiry was launched by the Barzinja Forestry Police, and one suspect has been detained in connection with the fire,” the department said. “Investigations will continue.”