At least 100 tank trucks were destroyed in the fierce fire at the biggest trade border between Afghanistan and Iran, causing millions of dollars in damage.

The fire occurred on the afternoon of February 13 at the Islam Qala border gate, about 120 kilometers from the Afghan city of Herat.

"We have been told that 100-200 tank trucks have been destroyed, but the number may be higher. We need more time to find out the extent of the damage," said Jailani Farhad, spokeswoman for Herat province.

Farhad said about 20 people injured in the blast were taken to hospital, but the death toll has not been released.

Afghanistan's Ministry of Finance said the fire started in a tank truck before it quickly spread and caused "severe economic damage", including fuel, tank trucks and customs facilities.

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Younus Qazi Zada, head of the Herat Provincial Chamber of Commerce, said the initial estimated damage was "millions of dollars".

Islam Qala is one of the major border crossings in Afghanistan, where most of its trade with Iran takes place.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said the border was opened to allow trucks, cars and people to run from the site of the fire.

Afghan and Iranian firefighters arrived at the scene to control the blaze and continue to put out smaller fires, a Herat provincial spokesman said.

Islam Qala border gate location (marked in red).

Taliban rebels attacked a security post near the scene after the fire broke out, while security forces were deployed to the Islam Qala border gate to prevent looting.