Introduction: A Close Call in Karachi’s Industrial Heart
Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub, narrowly avoided a major industrial disaster when a devastating fire broke out in the Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) — one of the city’s busiest industrial areas. The incident began in a textile factory and quickly escalated, spreading to a nearby cardboard manufacturing facility.
Thanks to swift, coordinated, and persistent efforts by the city’s fire brigade, the blaze was brought under full control after several hours of intense firefighting. No further risk remains, according to the official statement from the Landhi EPZ administration.
Timeline of the Incident
Initial Outbreak in Textile Factory
According to Shahzad Khan, spokesperson for the Landhi Export Processing Zone, the fire first erupted in a cloth manufacturing factory in the afternoon hours. Workers and management initially tried to control the flames with in-house fire extinguishing equipment, but the intensity of the fire quickly overwhelmed local efforts.
Firefighters arrived promptly on the scene and managed to bring the situation under control by approximately 7:00 PM.
Flare-Up and Spread to Nearby Factory
Just when authorities believed the situation was contained, disaster struck again. At around 11:00 PM, flames suddenly reignited in the already damaged textile factory building. The renewed blaze, carried by wind and falling debris, spread to the adjacent cardboard factory.
The cardboard facility’s rooftop was particularly vulnerable due to its flammable materials, and once the fire reached it, the flames intensified rapidly.
Mobilization of Firefighting Resources
Recognizing the seriousness of the renewed outbreak, 11 fire brigade vehicles were immediately dispatched. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours through the night, facing intense heat, thick smoke, and challenging access points in the industrial structures.
By early morning, the fire was completely extinguished, preventing it from spreading further into other parts of the industrial zone.
Challenges Faced During the Operation
Highly Flammable Industrial Materials
The two affected factories — one producing textiles and the other cardboard — contained large amounts of highly flammable materials. In textile facilities, cotton, synthetic fibers, and dyes can accelerate fire spread. Cardboard factories store vast amounts of paper and packaging material, which burn quickly and release intense heat.
Rekindling Risk
Even after the initial fire was doused, smoldering debris in the textile factory reignited hours later. This is a common hazard in industrial fires, especially when insulation materials, paper products, or fabric rolls continue to retain heat internally.
Dense Smoke and Limited Visibility
Firefighters also faced reduced visibility due to thick smoke, making navigation within the factories difficult and dangerous. Breathing apparatus and protective gear were essential to avoid smoke inhalation and toxic fume exposure.
Statement from the Landhi EPZ Spokesperson
Shahzad Khan reassured the public and the business community:
“The fire at the textile factory, which was partially destroyed yesterday, is now under complete control. Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure that the flames were contained and no further risk remains.”
He also acknowledged the rapid response of Karachi’s fire brigade and credited their experience and commitment for preventing a larger industrial catastrophe.
Background: Landhi Export Processing Zone’s Industrial Importance
Economic Role
The Landhi Export Processing Zone is one of Karachi’s major industrial hubs, housing hundreds of factories involved in textile production, packaging, food processing, and manufacturing of export goods. These facilities contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings through exports.
Employment and Production
Thousands of workers are employed in the zone, making it not only a crucial economic asset but also a livelihood source for countless families. Any major disruption — such as a prolonged shutdown due to fire — can have economic ripple effects across the supply chain.
Industrial Fires: A Recurring Concern in Karachi
Karachi has faced several industrial fire tragedies over the years. The city’s dense industrial clusters, aging infrastructure, and limited enforcement of fire safety regulations create conditions ripe for such incidents.
Notable past events include:
- Baldia Factory Fire (2012): One of the deadliest industrial fires in Pakistan’s history, killing over 250 workers.
- Korangi Industrial Area Fires: Multiple incidents in recent years due to electrical faults and flammable material storage.
These tragedies highlight the urgent need for stringent safety audits, proper storage protocols, and readily available firefighting systems inside factories.
Fire Safety Challenges in Industrial Zones
- Outdated Infrastructure – Many factories operate in old buildings not designed with modern fire safety measures.
- Inadequate On-Site Equipment – Fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire alarms are often absent or non-functional.
- Delayed Detection – Fires are sometimes reported late, allowing them to grow uncontrollably before firefighters arrive.
- Congested Layouts – Closely packed factories make it easier for fires to jump from one building to another.
Authorities’ Recommendations and Next Steps
Immediate Safety Inspections
Following the incident, Karachi’s municipal authorities are expected to conduct safety inspections of factories in the Landhi EPZ to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Training for Industrial Workers
Fire safety experts recommend regular fire drills and emergency response training for all workers in industrial facilities. Employees should know:
- How to use fire extinguishers
- Evacuation procedures
- Emergency contact protocols
Investment in Fire Prevention Infrastructure
Authorities are urging factory owners to invest in:
- Automatic sprinkler systems
- Heat and smoke detection alarms
- Fire-resistant building materials
Economic and Insurance Implications
Loss Assessment
While no official damage estimate has yet been released, the destruction of production equipment, raw materials, and finished goods in both the textile and cardboard factories could result in millions of rupees in losses.
Insurance Claims
Factories with adequate insurance coverage may recover some losses. However, underinsured or uninsured units could face long-term financial setbacks, impacting their ability to resume operations quickly.
Community and Worker Response
Local workers expressed both relief and concern. Relief that the fire was contained without reported casualties, but concern over the frequency of industrial fires and the perceived lack of preventive measures.
Some workers demanded that factory owners prioritize safety investments over short-term profit, to protect lives and livelihoods.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Industrial Karachi
The Landhi Export Processing Zone fire serves as another urgent reminder of the need for robust fire safety systems in Karachi’s industrial sector. While the heroic efforts of 11 fire brigade teams successfully prevented a major disaster, relying solely on emergency response is not enough.
Preventive measures — including regular safety inspections, better infrastructure, and strict enforcement of regulations — are essential to safeguarding Pakistan’s industrial output and the thousands of workers who keep it running.
The swift control of this blaze is a victory for Karachi’s fire services, but it also underlines a persistent truth: every fire averted through prevention is far better than one extinguished after it spreads.
