Rawalpindi foam factory fire rages for 9 hours, partial control achieved

RAWALPINDI: A major fire that broke out in a foam factory in Rawat Industrial Area is still raging nearly nine hours after it began, with firefighting teams working tirelessly to contain the blaze, ARY News reported.

Rescue 1122 officials have been on the scene since the fire erupted around 3 PM, coordinating efforts to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Authorities warned that the intensity of the flames poses a risk of structural collapse, making the operation particularly hazardous. Additional machinery and bulldozers have been brought in to help control the fire and prevent it from engulfing adjacent areas.

Fire officers reported that about 70 percent of the factory fire has been brought under control, but repeated flare-ups occur due to the presence of polyester inside the building, which ignites easily. Rescue teams, along with police and other emergency services, are closely monitoring the situation as they continue their operation.

The firefighting efforts have been ongoing for hours, with multiple teams coordinating to ensure the fire does not spread to neighboring factories. Officials stressed that while progress has been made, the operation is delicate, given the chemicals and materials stored in the factory.

No casualties have been reported so far, and authorities are focused on containment and safety. The fire highlights ongoing concerns over industrial safety and emergency preparedness in the Rawalpindi area.

Karachi Reports 225 Fire Incidents In January

 At least 225 fire incidents were reported in the provincial capital of Sindh during the first month of the year.

Officials said the most severe and devastating blaze in Karachi occurred at Gul Plaza, describing it as the largest and most dangerous fire incident recorded during the period.

The Fire Brigade report noted that, overall, 83 people lost their lives in fire-related incidents across the city, including two children and eight women. In addition, 24 individuals, among them a child, sustained injuries in separate incidents in the metropolis.

District-wise data showed that Karachi’s Central district recorded the highest number of incidents, with 30 fires reported. In the Saddar area, 18 fire incidents were registered, while another 18 cases were reported within the jurisdictions of Sohrab Goth and Gulistan-e-Mustafa fire stations in Karachi.

Other localities in the city also saw multiple incidents: Nazimabad reported 13 fires, Lyari nine, and the SITE industrial area 11. Korangi recorded nine incidents, while Landhi reported three, according to the Fire Brigade department.

Orangi Town and Shah Faisal Colony each witnessed eight incidents, while 14 fires were reported in Manzoor Colony. Meanwhile, the New Karachi Fire Station jurisdiction accounted for 13 incidents.