ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - A large fire broke out at a gasoline storage depot in Erbil province on Saturday, with firefighters battling the blaze as the cause remained unknown, according to The New Region's correspondent on the ground.

The fire erupted at a fuel storage facility in Erbil province's southwestern Shamamk subdistrict, about 12 kilometers outside the city. The site also includes a gas station and a small refinery, according to the correspondent.

According to witnesses, an explosion was heard before smoke started rising. Security forces also established a perimeter amid concerns over possible explosions and the risk of the fire spreading.

At least five civil defense teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, taking under an hour to control the fire. 

The cause of the fire, the extent of the damage, and whether there were any casualties remain unknown. Authorities have yet to comment on the incident.

Locals said the depot had caught fire two or three times before. 

More than 150 fires were recorded in Erbil province in the first half of the year, Erbil civil defense spokesperson Shakhawan Saeed told The New Region in mid-June.

On Thursday, a large fire at three warehouses forced the closure of the main Erbil-Kirkuk road, with over 40 civil defense personnel and ten firefighting trucks attempting to contain the flames, spokesperson for the civil defense Shakhawan Saeed told The New Region.

Updated at 2:10 pm.