The charred exterior of the Kut hypermarket following the July 17 fire that killed 61 people and triggered widespread public outrage in Wasit governorate.
Civil Defense reports
Iraq signs contracts with international firms to build firefighting vehicles
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Defense Directorate said Wednesday it has signed contracts with companies in the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Finland to manufacture advanced firefighting vehicles for Baghdad and other governorates.
Nawas Sabah, the directorate’s media chief, told the Iraqi News Agency that the contracts aim “to achieve technological and scientific progress by adopting the latest global standards and specifications and keeping pace with international innovations.”
He said the vehicles are being designed to handle incidents common in Iraq, including high-rise fires and hazardous material emergencies, and to strengthen the performance of search and rescue teams. Production has already begun in the three countries, according to Sabah.
“The directorate is working to develop its capabilities in line with Iraq’s urban and industrial growth,” he said.
Iraq has seen several deadly fires in recent years. In July, a blaze at a shopping center in Kut killed at least 61 people and fueled anger that led to protests and the resignation of Wasit Governor Mohammed Jameel al-Mayahy.