Fire at Karachi tyre warehouses still raging after nine hours

KARACHI: A massive fire that erupted at warehouses storing old tyres in Karachi’s Baldia Moach Goth area continues to rage even after nine hours, ARY News reported.

According to Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan, more than 13 fire tenders from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Rescue 1122 are currently engaged in the operation to control the third-degree blaze, while a snorkel reached the site nearly six hours after the fire broke out.

He said the fire may take up to 18 to 20 hours to be completely extinguished, citing dry and windy weather conditions as the main challenge. “Strong winds are spreading the flames rapidly and making it difficult for firefighters to maintain control,” he added.

The fire, which erupted earlier in the day, has engulfed multiple warehouses, spreading within the compound and threatening nearby structures. Firefighting teams are working from three sides to contain the blaze, and boundary walls around the affected site are being demolished to stop the fire from spreading further.

No casualties have been reported so far. Officials said firefighters remain at the scene, continuing efforts through the night to prevent the blaze from expanding into residential areas.

Water Shortage Initially Hampered Firefighting Efforts

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan confirmed that firefighters initially faced water shortages, but coordination was established with the Karachi Water Board and SITE Association to ensure a continuous supply of tankers.

“The Water Board has dispatched tankers to the site to assist in firefighting operations,” he said, adding that a steady water supply would significantly ease their work.

He warned that cooling operations could continue until Friday morning or evening depending on the weather and the fire’s intensity.

Deputy Mayor, DC Keamari Oversee Operations

Deputy Mayor Karachi, Salman Abdullah Murad, said firefighters reached the scene immediately after the blaze erupted and began efforts to extinguish it. He expressed optimism that the situation would be brought under control within hours.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Keamari, Tariq Chandio, confirmed that the fire was reported around 4 p.m. and said the affected warehouse spans nearly five acres and was used to store and cut old tyres.

Chandio added that initial water supply issues had been resolved with help from the SITE Association, allowing the firefighting operation to continue smoothly.

Strong Winds Complicate Operation

Rescue officials said gusty winds have made firefighting efforts increasingly difficult, intensifying the flames and reducing visibility for fire crews. “The fire is severe, and it will take considerable time to bring it fully under control,” said the in-charge of the operation.

Authorities have classified the incident as a third-degree fire. Firefighting teams continue to work on-site from multiple directions, aiming to contain the fire before it spreads beyond the industrial zone.