Massive fire breaks out at Kuwait scrap yard amid extreme heat and strong winds

Dubai: A massive fire broke out Friday afternoon at a scrap yard in Kuwait’s Amghara industrial area, prompting an immediate emergency response as soaring temperatures and gusty winds fanned the flames.

The General Fire Force said seven firefighting teams, later joined by additional units from the army and National Guard, were deployed to contain the blaze, which began at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time. Officials reported no injuries as of Friday evening.

Brigadier General Mohammed Al Gharib, head of the Fire Force’s public relations and media division, told the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that firefighters are striving to isolate the fire and prevent it from reaching adjacent properties.

The fire tore through areas storing flammable materials, including wood, ceramic, metal, and paint. It was exacerbated by extreme summer heat and strong winds, conditions that allowed the flames to spread rapidly across the scrapyard.

Al Gharib confirmed to Al Rai newspaper that nine fire stations are now involved in the operation, with more than 200 firefighters battling the blaze. Firefighters are supported by security forces, traffic police, and emergency medical teams at the scene.

Lieutenant General Talal Al Rumaihi, head of the General Fire Force, personally oversaw operations at the site.