The massive fire that broke out at factories located in the Export Processing Zone in Karachi’s Landhi industrial area has been brought under control after prolonged efforts, while cooling operations are still underway to prevent any flare-up.
According to media reports, the intense blaze erupted at a plastic manufacturing factory and quickly spread due to highly inflammable material stored inside. Firefighting teams carried out continuous operations for nearly eleven hours before successfully controlling the flames, though officials have warned that the cooling process may take several more days.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan stated that the cooling phase could take three to four days to complete, and fire brigade teams remain deployed at the site to ensure safety. He explained that the fire initially started in one factory and then spread to an adjacent unit, while timely action helped save a third factory from damage.
He further added that the affected units contained plastic goods, old clothes, and shoes, which significantly intensified the fire. Fire brigade officials said the thick smoke and high flames engulfed the area, creating serious challenges for rescue and firefighting operations.
Rescue officials confirmed that the third-degree fire was reported around 8:45 pm on Friday, prompting immediate response from KMC, the Pakistan Navy, and Rescue 1122 teams. More than twenty fire tenders and three snorkels were used to extinguish the blaze, with firefighters working for hours under extreme heat and smoke.
The Karachi Commissioner confirmed that no loss of life occurred in the incident, though heavy financial losses to machinery and stock have been reported. He said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and to introduce preventive measures for the future.
