Third-degree fire at Karachi factory brought under control after 11 hours
Fire erupts at factory in Karachi's Landhi Export Processing Zone. Photo: Express
A fire that broke out on Friday night at a plastic goods manufacturing factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone, along with an adjoining factory that was affected by the flames, was brought under control after 11 hours.
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According to Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan, the fire started at a plastic goods factory and spread to a neighbouring factory that manufactures shoes and slippers. Due to its intensity, the fire was declared a third-degree fire.
Rescue agencies managed to control the blaze after nearly 11 hours of continuous effort and began the cooling process, which will continue for 3 to 4 days. He further stated that 12 fire tenders and 3 snorkels from the KMC, along with fire tenders from the Pakistan Navy, Rescue 1122, and the Export Processing Zone, making a total of 20 vehicles, took part in the rescue operation and brought the third-degree fire under control after 11 hours.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also spoke about the firefighting efforts in a post on X last night.
Another big challenge for our brave fire fighters. Fire has erupted at a factory in Export Processing Zone & our fire tenders and snorkels are present on ground to tackle the situation. Additional water bowsers are also present. Will keep everyone posted 🤲 pic.twitter.com/nhZ13xwG3H
No casualties were reported during the incident; however, a large quantity of plastic, fibre, shoes, slippers, and leather stored in the factories was destroyed. One factory building suffered extensive damage due to the fire. According to Humayun Khan, the causes of the fire will be investigated after the cooling process is completed.
When the fire initially broke out, advisor to Sindh Chief Minister for Rehabilitation Gianchand Esrani said in a statement that the Central Command and Control of Rescue 1122 was notified, and fire and rescue teams, along with ambulances and fire brigade trucks, rushed to the site.
During the fire, Malir Deputy Commissioner Samiullah Sheikh said that the factory has been declared structurally unsafe, and a final assessment will be performed by officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority.