Massive fire guts Chale Bazaar in Duhok, Kurdistan

The blaze was eventually brought under control several hours later by at least 24 civil defense teams, comprising over 400 members.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but several shopkeepers suspect an electrical short circuit. At least six people, including civilians who volunteered to help extinguish the flames, were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.

"Thankfully, the fire was controlled, but it resulted in significant material damage," a spokesperson for Duhok's civil defense told reporters. "A committee will be formed to determine the cause of the fire and assess the damage."

One shopkeeper reportedly lost over $500,000 worth of goods in the fire. Civil defense officials had previously emphasized the need for fire safety measures in the bazaar due to the presence of highly flammable materials. All shops will be required to meet safety regulations following the bazaar's renovation after Eid al-Fitr.

This incident is the latest in a string of major fires that have recently plagued the Kurdistan Region. In late February, a fire believed to be caused by an electrical issue engulfed Erbil's Langa bazaar, destroying hundreds of shops.

Earlier in March, a storage depot containing flammable materials went up in flames, causing an estimated $10 million in losses. Additionally, at least three people, including two children, were injured in a house fire in Erbil's Soran district attributed to a gas leak. (ILKHA)