The Chamber of Commerce and Investment has raised concerns over the frequent fires in customs offices across the country. 

Mohammad Younus Momand, first deputy of the ACCI, in a meeting with traders and government officials in Herat, called for clarification on the cause of the fire at Herat Customs.

The first deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment said, "Our suggestion to the government is to appoint a specific committee in this regard. We have had two or three incidents: one in Spin Boldak and one here in Herat. The causes of these incidents need to be clarified because the private sector is questioning why such incidents are happening and why there are no fire extinguishers in customs offices."

Abdul Latif Qanawizyan, Deputy Head of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said, "The hangars where goods are unloaded are the same ones built fifty or forty years ago, and none of them meet the standards. At any moment, perhaps tomorrow or the day after, another incident could occur."

According to Herat Customs statistics, nearly forty trucks carrying commercial goods were destroyed in the recent fire.

Some affected traders blame the customs administration for the fire and are demanding compensation.

"The government should compensate the people in cash, and if not, it should grant exemptions to those who have suffered losses," Abdullah, one of the traders, said.

"The working process in Herat Customs is very slow, and most of the trucks and goods that were stopped in the customs office were there just for a signature or other minor tasks that had been delayed for months and weeks," Mohammad Farrokhi, another trader, said.

Government officials said the cause of the fire is unknown, and no decision has yet been made regarding compensation.

Mohammad Hamed Ahmad, Head of Herat Customs, said, "So far, the cause of this fire has not been determined. A joint committee from the province, the security command, intelligence, and customs has started investigations to identify the perpetrator and determine how the fire occurred."

Nooruddin Turabi, acting head of the National Disaster Management Authority, said, "Some people say there is a law that holds the government responsible for compensation. We are not aware of such a law, but our request is that the government should assist these people as much as possible."

The fire at Herat Customs occurred about a month after a massive fire in the commercial market of Spin Boldak district, Kandahar. 

About three and a half years ago, a massive and destructive fire broke out at the Islam Qala Customs in Herat, burning hundreds of trucks carrying commercial goods. A few months later, two fires also occurred at the Abu Nasr Farahi Customs in Farah.