Fire breaks out at old clothes factory in Karachi’s Landhi EPZ

The blaze triggers a major emergency response as firefighters, rescue teams, and Rangers personnel reach the site to control the flames and protect workers. Fire brigade officials classify the incident as a third-degree fire, prompting authorities to call for additional firefighting vehicles and equipment.

According to officials, 11 Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) fire tenders, two water tankers, and a snorkel are being used in the operation. More firefighting vehicles are also requested as teams continue efforts to bring the blaze under control.

Fire spreads across three floors

Fire brigade officials say the blaze initially started on the ground floor of the factory. The flames later spread to the two upper floors, increasing the intensity of the operation and making it difficult for firefighters to enter the building.

Officials say thick smoke fills the factory, forcing firefighters to conduct much of the operation from outside the building. The presence of old clothes inside the factory also makes the situation more challenging because the stored material can fuel the flames.

A security guard says workers began leaving the factory after smoke started emerging from the building. According to officials, all workers are evacuated from the premises, preventing the incident from causing any reported loss of life.

Three people affected by smoke

Three people, including two men and a woman, were affected by heavy smoke inside the building.

Rescue officials say the three people suffered from suffocation after being exposed to the smoke inside the factory. Rescue teams brought them out of the building and provided emergency assistance.

The woman’s condition deteriorated due to smoke inhalation, and she was shifted to Jinnah Hospital in a Chhipa ambulance for medical treatment. No death is reported in the incident so far. The safe evacuation of workers remains one of the key developments as firefighters continue their operation at the factory.

Security tightened around EPZ

Security authorities at the Export Processing Zone take precautionary measures after the fire broke out. Employees working at other companies in the area are prevented from entering the affected premises as emergency teams work to control the blaze.

Rangers personnel also reached the location and joined the rescue operation because of the seriousness of the incident. A heavy Rangers contingent is deployed around the affected building to maintain traffic flow and help protect people in the surrounding area.

Officials say the main priorities are saving lives and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. The coordinated response involves firefighters, rescue workers, Rangers personnel, and water-supply teams.

Emergency water supply arranged

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) also activates emergency measures to support the firefighting operation.

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The Landhi and Sherpao hydrants are placed under emergency arrangements, while water tankers are sent to the site. KW&SC officials say an uninterrupted water supply is being provided to the fire brigade during the operation.

The corporation says it will continue supplying water tankers until the fire is completely extinguished. The additional water supply is important because firefighters are dealing with a large quantity of old clothes inside the building and a fire that has spread across several floors.

Murad Ali Shah takes notice

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah takes notice of the fire and directs authorities to ensure the safety of people at the factory.

He asks the relevant departments to use all available resources to bring the blaze under control. The chief minister also seeks a report on the situation from the Karachi commissioner and the concerned administration.

Officials continue to monitor the operation as firefighters work to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching nearby industrial units. The exact cause of the fire and the extent of any property damage have not yet been established.

Landhi EPZ remains a major industrial area

The Karachi Export Processing Zone is located near the Landhi Industrial Area and hosts businesses from several sectors.

According to the Export Processing Zones Authority, the zone has a strong presence of garment-related businesses, along with electronics, chemicals, and other industries. This makes fire safety particularly important because industrial premises can contain large quantities of flammable material.

The latest incident also highlights the risks faced by workers and emergency personnel when fires spread through multi-storey industrial buildings. For now, authorities are focused on extinguishing the fire, treating those affected by smoke, and preventing the blaze from spreading further.