Slemani Fires Cause Over Seven Billion Dinars in Losses, Environment Directorate Warns
At a Glance
- Two major fires reported in Slemani
- 32 people injured
- Damage exceeds seven billion dinars
- Environment safety systems under scrutiny
The Slemani Environment Directorate has warned of serious human, financial, and environmental consequences following two major fires in the city within 18 hours of each other.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Shayi Awat, Director of Slemani Environment: The fires caused “over seven billion dinars" in damage.
- On Injuries: “32 people were injured” in the two incidents.
- On environmental impact: The fires caused severe damage to the environment and air quality.
- On safety systems: Authorities must reactivate safety inspections and apply them equally “without favoritism or exceptions.”
The Slemani Environment Directorate said two major fires involving a warehouse and a gas station caused significant human, material, and environmental losses.
Director of Slemani Environment Shayi Awat said the incidents resulted in more than seven billion Iraqi dinars in financial damage and left 32 people injured.
Awat said the fires caused serious environmental damage and affected air quality in Slemani.
She warned that while financial losses can eventually be compensated, environmental damage can have long-term consequences and, in some cases, cannot be restored.
The Environment Directorate said safety systems at projects and workplaces are being obstructed and that safety inspection teams in both the government and private sectors are facing resistance.
Awat said safety is not simply being neglected, but that authorized inspection entities are encountering active opposition while carrying out their duties.
The Director of Environment called on the Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, to issue an official decree to reactivate safety systems.
She also called for authorized safety inspection companies and relevant government institutions to immediately conduct comprehensive checks at workplaces and projects.
Awat stressed that inspections should be applied equally to all entities, without favoritism or exceptions.
FYI
The warnings follow two major fires reported in Slemani within 18 hours of each other, involving a warehouse in Tanjaro and a gas station inside the Slemani Governorate Building. The incidents have renewed attention on workplace safety systems, inspection procedures, and the enforcement of safety requirements.
The Environment Directorate is calling for stronger implementation of safety inspections, while emphasizing that environmental consequences can extend well beyond the immediate financial damage caused by fires.
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