Karachi continues to face a high number of fire incidents, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in the city. In January alone, authorities reported 225 fire incidents, causing injuries, property damage, and in some cases, loss of life.
The trend has continued into February, with over 20 fire incidents reported in the first five days, showing that the city remains at constant risk. Officials warn that without stronger safety measures, residents will continue to face daily dangers from both major and minor fires.
On Thursday, six separate fire incidents were reported across Karachi. While no human casualties occurred in these cases, two animals—a cow and a buffalo—suffered burn injuries. Authorities used heavy machinery to control fires at locations such as a plastic warehouse near Sher Shah Akbar Road, a chemical drum fire in Mehran Town, and a K-Electric junction in New Karachi Industrial Area.
The deadliest fire incident in recent memory occurred on January 17 at Gul Plaza, where 79 people, including women and children, lost their lives, and 22 others were injured. Since then, no disaster of similar scale has occurred, but small-scale fires continue to erupt across the city.
Several fatal fires were reported last month. A man died in Landhi on January 1 after a fire started for warmth. On January 26, a fire at a school in Malir’s Khokhrapar area killed a minor and injured another student. Fires in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Orangi Town, Hawkesbay, Korangi, and near the Met Office area also resulted in injuries and loss of life.
District-wise data shows District Central recorded the highest number of fire incidents with 30 in January. Saddar and Sohrab Goth–Gulistan-e-Mustafa reported 18 each, while Nazimabad had 13 incidents. SITE Area saw 11, Lyari and Korangi nine each, Landhi three, and Orangi Town and Shah Faisal Colony eight each. Manzoor Colony recorded 14 incidents, and New Karachi fire stations reported 13.
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Authorities stressed the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, regular inspections, and public awareness campaigns. They warned that preventing future tragedies requires action from both citizens and local authorities to reduce fire risks in Karachi.
