The fire broke out inside three shops designated for selling perfumes. Authorities are investigating the causes of the fire outbreak.

A massive fire broke out inside the “Great Kirkuk Market” in the city of Kirkuk in northern Iraq on Thursday, causing concern among residents and merchants after flames erupted from several commercial shops inside the crowded popular market known for its active commercial movement.

Iraqi media outlets and social media activists shared videos and photos documenting the intense blaze inside the market, while civil defense teams continued efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby shops and buildings amid thick smoke rising above the area.

According to the Iraqi Civil Defense Directorate, the fire started inside three perfume shops in the “Old Qaisariya Market” before firefighting teams urgently intervened to contain and extinguish the flames and prevent further spread within the market.

Civil defense and firefighting teams rushed to the scene immediately after receiving reports, launching extinguishing operations under difficult conditions due to the old structure of the market and the close proximity of the shops, which increased fears among merchants that the fire could spread further.

Authorities have not yet released final details regarding the causes of the fire or the extent of the resulting damage, while investigations continue to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The “Qaisariya Market” is considered one of the most prominent heritage and commercial markets in Kirkuk and witnesses active daily movement, making scenes of the fire trigger widespread interaction and concern among social media users.