WATCH: Fire erupts in Erbil’s clothing market

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A large fire broke out in Erbil’s clothing market Wednesday night, causing extensive damage to nearby shops.

“I lost three of my shops,” began one salesman when speaking with Kurdistan 24. “The fire broke out last night in the Langa [clothing] bazaar, and most stores caught fire.”

An informed source told Kurdistan 24 that the firefighting teams of Erbil’s Civil Defense are still working to contain the fire on both sides of the bazaar.

The firefighters “have not yet been able to put out the fire,” the salesman added, stating that as of Thursday morning, flames were still burning.

Storeowners believe they will face severe material losses.

Early estimates by authorities put the number of stores partially or completely destroyed in the blaze at 1,200, nearly half of all existing stores in the bazaar.

After concerted efforts by the emergency response team, firefighters finally brought the blaze under control midday.

“I only have fabric in my shop; one spark could set my whole store ablaze,” said one storeowner.

The sizable market area is located between the two Gulan (40m) and Peshawa Qazi (100m) streets, east of the city’s center. It is dominated by second-hand clothing stores and thanks to its affordable prices, is most popular among middle and low-income families.

Multiple fires have recently erupted in Erbil’s markets, frequently caused by electricity short-circuits, high temperatures in the summer, or the use of heaters in the winter months.

Editing by Nadia Riva