Huge Fire at Oil Refinery in Erbil

A massive fire broke out late Wednesday to Thursday at an oil refinery in the town of "Kuir," southwest of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Flames from the fire spread to other fuel tanks, resulting in casualties, according to local media. The fire has expanded and remains uncontrolled. Reports indicate that several tanks exploded due to the flames reaching them from the initial fire at the refinery. Local media reported that the fire started in storage facilities for crude oil and liquid lime, and six fire brigade teams are working to contain the flames and prevent the spread of the fire at the Erbil refinery.