Iraq: Fire reported at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in An-Najaf Oct. 18

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in An-Najaf as of early Oct. 18. The cause of the incident is remains unclear. There have been no immediate reports of casualties.

Increased security is likely near the incident site through Oct. 18 to facilitate the emergency response. Localized business and transport disruptions may occur. Authorities could evacuate buildings and shops in the area as a precaution.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Allow additional time to reach destinations in the area through at least the afternoon of Oct. 18; seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Persons operating nearby should consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if they 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.