ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— A massive fire at an oil refinery in Iraqi Kurdistan has injured at least 10 people, including firefighters working to control the blaze, according to the civil defense agency.
The fire, which continued to burn on Thursday, began in an asphalt tank on Wednesday night and spread to a second refinery located southwest of Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan region.
Firefighters battled the flames through the night, with thick black smoke and orange flames filling the sky, AFP reported.
“More than 10 people were injured, mostly members of the Arbil civil defense,” the agency stated, adding that three fire trucks were destroyed. The cause of the refinery fire is currently under investigation.
The blaze, which affected four fuel tanks, started in one refinery and spread to another, the statement said.
Iraq has experienced numerous fires in recent weeks due to scorching summer temperatures, impacting shopping centers, warehouses, and hospitals.
As one of the world’s largest oil producers, Iraq relies heavily on crude oil sales, which constitute 90 percent of its budget revenues. However, oil exports from the Kurdistan region have been suspended for over a year due to legal and technical disputes.
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