Major fire engulfs two factories in Karachi's Landhi export processing zone

KARACHI (Web Desk) ֪– A massive fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone on Friday evening, quickly spreading and engulfing two industrial units, prompting authorities to declare it a third-degree fire emergency.

Firefighting teams rushed to the scene and launched a large-scale operation to contain the blaze.

According to rescue officials, the fire erupted at around 8pm inside a plastic manufacturing factory located within the Landhi Export Processing Zone. The flames intensified rapidly and spread through the structure within minutes, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and triggering panic in the surrounding industrial area.

Witnesses reported that the fire expanded swiftly across the building, with flames visible from a considerable distance. Due to the scale and intensity of the blaze, emergency protocols were activated across the city, and additional firefighting resources were dispatched to prevent further spread.

Emergency response

Fire brigade vehicles from multiple stations across Karachi were called in, along with rescue workers and water tankers. Authorities also imposed an emergency at local hydrants to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for firefighting operations.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan confirmed that the situation was critical, stating that the fire had surrounded the factory from three sides. He said teams were working continuously to bring the flames under control and to protect nearby structures from catching fire.

Officials said the nature of materials stored inside the factory contributed to the rapid escalation of the blaze. Plastic and other combustible materials present at the site accelerated the spread and increased the intensity of the fire.

Multiple units hit

Rescue authorities confirmed that at least two factories have been affected by the fire so far. Due to the scale, heat, and spread pattern, the incident was officially categorised as a third-degree fire, one of the highest emergency levels used by the fire department.

More than 10 fire tenders, along with snorkel trucks, were deployed to battle the flames. Firefighters continued efforts to stop the fire from extending to additional nearby industrial units. A snorkel platform was used to tackle the blaze from height as ground teams worked to control it from multiple sides.

Fire officials said operations were focused on containment, cooling surrounding structures, and creating fire breaks to limit further damage. No immediate report of casualties was issued at the time of the response, while cooling and suppression work continued.

Investigators are expected to determine the cause of the fire after the situation is brought fully under control. Authorities have cordoned off the affected section of the export processing zone to allow emergency teams to operate without obstruction.