ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region’s civil defense authorities recorded seven fire incidents between New Year's Eve and Wednesday midday, including a deadly one.
The directorate of civil defense announced that three houses, two shops, and two vehicles caught fire in 24 hours.
It added that two children died from smoke, most probably referring to a blaze in Sulaimani early Wednesday which claimed the lives of two siblings, aged six and ten.
Before the new year, the directorate issued specific instructions for using fireworks. The rules included not using fireworks near electricity, buildings, and places that contain highly flammable substances such as gas stations or generators.
Fires are a perennial concern in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They are especially frequent in the summertime when the scorching heat increases the risks.
Safety standards also are often ignored in the country. Most buildings lack adequate fire extinguishers, evacuation routes, and emergency exits.
