CJTF-7 Public Affairs

CJTF-7 Public Affairs BAGHDAD, Iraq July 2, 2003 For additional information contact: CJTF-7 COALITION PRESS INFORMATION CENTER 914 360 5082/5089 DSN 302 550 0396/97 Release #030702e COALITION, IRAQI FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZE TOGETHER BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition firefighters, and engineers from the 101st Airborne Division along with Iraqi firefighters battle around the clock to control the fire at the Misraq State Sulfur Plant located 20 miles south of Mosul. The Iraqi firefighters have used fire trucks to douse flames and cool the ground allowing the engineer’s dump trucks and bulldozers to get closer to attempt to snuff the fire out with tons of dirt. It is estimated the fire will consume the remaining sulfur and burn itself out in a few days said U. S. Army Col. Benjamin Hodges commander of the division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, the unit responsible for controlling the fire. The toxic smoke has affected approximately 25 villages and the cities of Qayyarah, Al Shurah and Makhmur according to an Iraqi cultural adviser. Soldiers have evacuated civilians from the vicinity of the fire and the areas downwind of the plant. A shelter has been established in Qayyarah for displaced individuals. According to division medical personnel, the sulfuric smoke is a danger to all people, but especially to the elderly, asthmatic and young children. Since the fire began, an elderly woman and a small child have died from smoke-related complications. Others, who experienced smoke-induced symptoms, were treated by brigade medical personnel. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Damages and clean-up costs have yet to be determined. -30- CJTF-7 Public Affairs BAGHDAD, Iraq July 2, 2003 For additional information contact: CJTF-7 COALITION PRESS INFORMATION CENTER 914 360 5082/5089 DSN 302 550 0396/97 Release #030702d ONE MARINE DEAD, THREE INJURED IN MINE EXPLOSION KARBALA, Iraq – A Marine from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force died and three were injured here at approx. 2 p.m. July 2 while conducting mine-clearing operations. An Iraqi fire department technician accompanying the Marines was also injured. All individuals were taken to a nearby medical facility. The incident is under investigation. notification of next of kin. The Marines names are being withheld pending -30- MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: Background brief (no cameras) WHO: CPA/CJTF 7 spokesperson WHEN: Thursday, July 03, 2003, 2 pm WHERE: Iraq Forum (Convention Center) MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: Press conference WHO: LTG Sanchez WHEN: Thursday, July 03, 2003, 5 pm WHERE: Iraw Forum (Convention Center)