Fire scorches over 100 acres of farmland in southwestern Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Iraq — A large fire broke out Friday in the village of Al-Merra in Hawija district, southwestern Kirkuk, burning more than 100 acres of harvested farmland, a local source said. The blaze destroyed crop residue sold as animal feed for millions of dinars, causing significant economic losses for farmers and landowners. The source attributed the rapid spread of the flames to high air temperatures combined with dry grass and agricultural waste on the harvested fields. Civil Defense teams, supported by some villagers, responded to the fire and prevented it from reaching surrounding farmland. No casualties were reported, with damage limited to material losses. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage. Fires on agricultural land are reported frequently in various parts of Kirkuk during the summer months, as rising temperatures regularly inflict heavy losses on farmers.