Firefighters snuff out inferno at garment factory in Karachi's SITE area

12 fire tenders, two water bowsers, and two snorkels at the site as Pakistan Navy joins the firefighting operation

KARACHI:

A massive fire engulfed and precariously damaged a garments factory near Metroville in Karachi’s SITE area on Monday, prompting the deployment of fire and rescue teams, according to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Sindh Rescue 1122.

KMC Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said around 9:15pm that the fire was brought under control after eight hours of firefighting operations, adding that the cooling down process might take several more hours. 

"More than a dozen fire tenders, three snorkels, and two water bowsers participated in the rescue operation. All goods located on the second and third floors were destroyed in the blaze," he said.

Khan said that one fire tender from the Pakistan Navy was also present at the site to assist in the operation.

According to the chief fire officer, plastic rolls were stored on all three floors of the factory, while the premises were filled with heavy smoke, making firefighting efforts extremely challenging.

He also said that the intensity of the blaze has weakened the factory building, "leaving the structure in a precarious condition". He told the media that firefighters used foam and water to help contain the fire.

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) earlier declared an emergency at one more hydrant — Safoora — to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to firefighting teams in SITE area.

According to Shahbaz Bashir, focal person to the CEO for the Hydrants Cell, approximately 300,000 gallons of water were supplied to the fire brigades taking part in the operation so far.

"Of the total quantity, 210,000 gallons were provided through Crush Plant Hydrants I and II; 40,000 gallons through NIPA Hydrant; 35,000 gallons through Sakhi Hassan Hydrant; and 12,000 gallons through Safoora Hydrant."

Bashir said the emergency measures were implemented on the directives of KWSC CEO Ahmed Ali Siddiqui to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to the fire brigade and rescue agencies. He added that the water supply would continue without interruption until the fire was completely brought under control.

A collage demonstrating blaze at a garment factory in Karachi on October 19, 2026. Photos: Express

The chief fire officer said earlier in the day that the fire was intense when firefighting teams arrived at the scene, adding that firefighting operations were underway with the assistance of a snorkel, and the corporation had deployed 11 fire tenders and two water bowsers to tackle the blaze.

"The warehouse contains cardboard, wood, thread, garments, foam, plastic and other combustible materials in the upper floors, making firefighting operations challenging. Our efforts are focused on bringing the fire under control as soon as possible, after which cooling operations will begin,” Khan said.

The chief fire officer also underscored that the fire was declared a "third-degree blaze" to mobilise all relevant departments, ensure their immediate attention and secure the resources required to deal with the emergency.

Khan stressed that parts of the building, along with its boundary wall, had become structurally unsafe due to the fire.

Meanwhile, fire brigade officials at the site told The Express Tribune that they faced difficulties due to a "shortage of water".

They also revealed that firefighting operations were underway from both the exterior and interior of the building and so far the fire has engulfed the factory’s second and third floors.

KWSC Spokesperson Qadir Sheikh told The Express Tribune that the facility provided an uninterrupted water supply to fire brigade teams responding to the factory blaze.

The spokesperson said emergency was notified at three hydrants located at the Crush Plant, NIPA and Sakhi Hassan areas to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water for firefighting operations.

"Approximately 150,000 gallons of water have so far been supplied to the fire brigade, while an additional 40,000 gallons are available on standby to meet any further requirements," Sheikh noted.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the fire and directed the administration and rescue authorities to immediately mobilise resources at the site.

The chief minister directed the authorities to immediately summon additional fire brigade vehicles and Rescue 1122 units to intensify firefighting and rescue operations.

“The fire should be brought under control as soon as possible, and nearby buildings must be protected,” the chief minister said.

CM Shah sought a detailed report on the incident from the Karachi commissioner and the Industries Department, directing them to investigate the cause of the fire promptly and thoroughly.

He also issued strict instructions for a comprehensive review of fire safety arrangements in industrial areas to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

With additional reporting by Ayesha Khan, Naeem Khanzada and Saleem Jhandeer