Wildfire in Halabja spreads for third day

HALABJA — A wildfire that broke out Sunday near the Kokoyi area of Halabja governorate has spread for a third day, destroying farmland and forest and leaving two people dead, local authorities said.

Sarhang Abdulrahman, head of the Halabja Environment Directorate, told 964media that teams from Halabja and Sulaymaniyah are working to contain the fire but rugged terrain and land mines have prevented full control.

“For the difficult areas we need helicopters to keep the fire from spreading further, but Halabja has no helicopters and none have been provided so far,” he said.

The blaze began in Mordin village before spreading toward Chnar, Neijla, Daranawe, and several other villages, officials said.

Zanyar Omer, spokesperson for the Halabja Civil Defense, told 964media that in addition to official teams, volunteers and local residents from Halabja and Sulaymaniyah have been clearing roads and fighting the fire with shovels and basic equipment. He said he hopes today they can “bring the fire fully under control.”

Authorities confirmed the deaths of local volunteer Ari Mukhtar and forestry police officer Mohammed Sheikh Haidar, who were killed while battling the blaze. Halabja’s local administration declared official mourning for the two victims.

The fire has burned hundreds of dunams of farmland, pastures, and forest. Halabja’s governorate said an investigative committee has been formed to determine the cause.