KARACHI: The memory of the deadly Gul Plaza fire still haunts the city, serving as a grim reminder of how devastating fire incidents can be. However, fires continue to erupt unabated, exposing serious gaps in safety standards and emergency preparedness.
Alarmingly, Karachi reported 225 fire incidents in January alone, leaving destruction, injuries and loss of lives in their wake. The trend has continued into February, with more than 20 incidents reported in just the first five days, indicating that the city remains at constant risk.
Authorities have warned that unless stricter safety measures are implemented and public awareness is raised, residents will continue to face daily threats from both major and minor fires.
On Thursday alone, fire incidents were reported at six different locations across Karachi. While no human casualties were recorded, two animals — a cow and a buffalo — suffered burn injuries.
The deadliest incident occurred on January 17, when an inferno at Gul Plaza killed 79 people, including women and children, and injured at least 22 others, according to official figures. Since then, no disaster of a similar scale has been reported, but small-scale fires continue to erupt daily, with five to six incidents sometimes occurring in a single day.
Last month, four more people, including a child and an elderly man, lost their lives in separate fire incidents. Alongside fatalities, many residents have faced property damage and financial ruin, highlighting the persistent danger fires pose.
Among notable cases, a man in Landhi died on January 1 after being burnt by a fire lit for warmth. On January 26, a fire at a privately run school operating inside a house in Malir’s Khokhrapar area claimed the life of a minor and injured another, while other students were rescued. Another fatal incident occurred in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on January 28, while a separate fire in Orangi Town also claimed a life.
Data showed District Central recorded the highest number of fires in January with 30 incidents, followed by Saddar with 18. Nazimabad reported 13, SITE Area 11, and Lyari and Korangi nine each. Other areas, including Orangi Town, Shah Faisal Colony and Manzoor Colony, also saw multiple incidents.
Thursday’s fires included a blaze at a plastic warehouse near Nauman Kanta on Sher Shah Akbar Road, where the fire repeatedly reignited due to Thermocol. Firefighters used heavy machinery under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Nida Saman to demolish walls and complete cooling operations.
Other incidents were reported at a private bank roof in Korangi No. 4, a perfume factory in Mehran Town, a cattle shed in Malir’s Khurramabad, a gym in Federal B Area, and a K-Electric junction near Fatima Tower in New Karachi Industrial Area. All were brought under control without human casualties.
Authorities have expressed concern over the rising frequency of fires and stressed the urgent need for stricter safety measures, regular inspections and greater public awareness to prevent further tragedies.