Iraq: Fire reported at Kurdistan Parliament building in Erbil Dec. 1

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a structure fire inside the Kurdistan Parliament building in Erbil, Dec. 1. Parliamentarians and staff have reportedly evacuated the site. There have been no immediate reports of casualties. Authorities have not specified the cause of the fire.

Increased security, as well as localized transport disruptions, are likely near the incident site. Authorities could evacuate buildings in the area as a precaution. Lingering disruptions are possible after crews extinguish the fire as investigations and recovery operations continue.

Advice

Avoid the area until the situation stabilizes, and authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Allow additional time to reach destinations in the affected area through at least the afternoon of Dec. 1. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.