Fire destroys sponge factory in Kirkuk, no casualties reported

KIRKUK — A large fire broke out Monday afternoon at a sponge factory in Kirkuk, destroying the facility, civil defense officials said.

The blaze erupted at about 2 p.m., prompting Civil Defense to dispatch 10 teams to the scene, according to Sinan Akram, head of media for Kirkuk Civil Defense.

Akram told 964media that the fire was brought under control and no casualties were reported. The two-story factory building was completely burned, with its contents reduced to ashes.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Teams are continuing cooling operations and will begin an investigation afterward.

Akram said this was the first large fire of its kind recorded in Kirkuk since the start of the year.