Duhok civil defense reports 11 vehicle fires since start of year

DUHOK, Iraq — Civil defense authorities in Duhok province said 11 vehicles have burned out and become unusable since the beginning of the year. Colonel Biyar Abdulaziz, spokesperson for the Duhok Directorate of Civil Defense, said the fires were linked to vehicles being left in direct sunlight and to flammable materials kept inside them. Abdulaziz advised drivers not to park their cars in the sun for long periods and to leave windows slightly open to reduce interior temperatures. He said flammable items such as air fresheners, lighters, portable chargers and batteries should not be left inside vehicles. The directorate also urged motorists to keep fuel containers and gas cylinders away from heat sources and to avoid storing any combustible materials in their cars. It said the precautions were necessary to reduce fire risk as summer temperatures rise. No casualties were reported in connection with the 11 incidents.