ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Halabja declares two days of mourning over the tragic death of two citizens - a civilian and a member of the Kurdistan Region’s Forest Police - in a wildfire that has been burning for a second consecutive day in the southeastern Halabja province, destroying large parts of the region’s dense and mountainous forests in hard-to-reach areas.
The Halabja Civil Defense Department (HCDD) reported that the two casualties died while trying to extinguish the flames still burning through the Kokoyi region located in eastern Halabja since noon Sunday.
Speaking to Rudaw, Zanyar Omar, spokesperson for the HCDD, said “the fire has not yet been brought under control due to the region's rugged terrain,” adding that the villages of Chnara, Nayjala and Mordin are most affected by the fires.
For her part, Halabja Governor Nuxsha Nasih declared two days of public mourning in the province, honoring the two victims as “martyrs” of Halabja and the Kurdistan Region.
Speaking to Rudaw, Nasih stated that “the fire is spreading widely due to strong seasonal winds,” and urged local residents and volunteers involved in firefighting efforts “not to get very close to the blaze.”
“Your lives are more important,” Nasih affirmed.
Halabja governor also called for a stronger government response, specifically urging increased support in the form of more firefighters and improved equipment to better prepare the province for similar emergencies in the future.
Wildfires are a recurring concern in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly during the summer months when extreme heat significantly increases the risk.
