Baghdad: Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Sarwa Abdul Wahid, has announced the formation of an investigative committee to look into the recent fire incident at the Cinema and Theater Department building. The aim is to uncover the circumstances and causes of the fire and implement necessary actions in line with legal and administrative protocols.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Imad Sakban, the Director of the Minister’s Office, conducted a field visit to the site on Thursday. The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 24, 2026, was attributed to an electrical short circuit. Sakban inspected the affected area located on the fourth floor within the Film and Television Production Department.

The room that caught fire, part of the Archives Management Division and used as a staff break room, was identified as the origin of the blaze, which started around 5:30 AM. Although the fire caused minor damage to an adjacent room, it was confirmed by the Cinema and Theater Department that no films, tapes, discs, or files were affected. These materials are stored in a separate storage area, which Sakban also examined during his visit.