A large wildfire broke out in Germak, a subdistrict of Penjwen in Sulaymaniyah. It quickly spread across the countryside, burning thousands of dunams of forests and pastures before being brought under control.
The fire started on July 29, 2025, and lasted for two days. It swept through the villages of Wena, Sheikha, Taymaz, and Shewa Gwezane. As a result, the region faced major environmental destruction.
According to Sulaymaniyah’s Forest and Environment Police, the fire began in eastern Kurdistan and moved rapidly toward Germak. Thanks to a quick response, firefighting teams managed to contain it.
The operation faced many obstacles. Rugged mountains, old landmines, and unexploded materials made the mission dangerous. Still, local teams from Germak’s environment center, village residents, and volunteers from the Malaka organization worked together to stop the flames.
The wildfire caused heavy damage. Thousands of dunams of green pastures, oak woodlands, and natural habitats were reduced to ashes. This destruction deeply harmed the region’s nature and wildlife.
Germak, located in Penjwen district of Sulaymaniyah province, lies near the eastern edge of Kurdistan and shares borderland with nearby mountainous areas.