Electrical faults blamed for most of Erbil’s 1,011 fire incidents in 2025

ERBIL — More than 1,000 fires were reported in Erbil during the first seven months of 2025, with the majority caused by electrical malfunctions, the city’s civil defense directorate said Thursday.

Shaqawan Saeed, spokesperson for the Erbil Civil Defense Directorate, told 964media that 1,011 fire incidents were recorded between January and July. “Most of the fires were caused by short circuits,” he said.

The blazes affected residential homes, commercial shops, and vehicles across the city. The highest number occurred in June, with 270 reported. January saw 196 incidents, followed by 93 in February, 77 in March, 87 in April, 170 in May, and 118 in July.

A total of 230 homes and apartments and 141 vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the fires, according to the directorate. The incidents also resulted in 11 deaths and 44 injuries.

Two people were killed and eight injured in January. February saw three injuries. In March, one person died and 11 were injured, while April saw one death and four injuries. May recorded two deaths and 10 injuries. In June, two people died and six were injured. July saw the highest monthly death toll, with three fatalities and two injuries.

Saeed said the overall number of fire incidents declined compared to the same period last year.