Karachi blaze rages on despite hours of firefighting efforts

#Karachi #blaze #rages #hours #firefighting #efforts

KARACHI: Authorities have temporarily stopped efforts to burn the fire near Korangi Creek, after the heat made firefighting operations difficult, officials said on Saturday.

According to fire brigade officials, during the early hours of the day, a fire broke out during the deep excavation, which reached about 1, 1200 feet underground. Fortunately, no injury or casualties were reported. Officials also noted that the fire has been largely stable, which has not shown any major sign of intensity or decrease.

Despite about 10 hours of firefight, officials have not yet determined the type of fueling or gas types. While fire brigade officials confirmed the presence of a gas leak, they were unable to explain the kind.

Officials acknowledged that serious challenges in controlling the Blaze.

Initially, the fire brigade tried to control the cats using water, but it intensified the heat. Firefighters then changed the strategies, and choosing to suppress the flames, throwing clay and sand on it in an attempt to control the flames.

Meanwhile, workers and others have been shifted to security near the excavation site.

However, one expert told Geo News that the leakage could be from the underground gas reserve.

The matter will be investigated by the relevant authorities associated with the “zero gas factor”, after which the petroleum division will further inquire.

Authorities confirmed that there is no SUI Southern Gas Company (SSGC) pipeline or installation in the vicinity. The SSGC also issued an official statement, making it clear that there was no infrastructure near the site. However, the situation on the earth has neither worsened nor has it improved significantly.

Senior technical staff of the military land cantonment Karachi region is also conducting a thorough inspecting the site.

Initially, firefighters tried to suppress the flames with water, but officials said it only increased the heat. The strategy was later transferred to the use of clay and sand to suppress the fire. More than 10 fire tenders with more than one water tankers participated in the fire extinguisher.

However, this has also proved ineffective, as high gas pressure restores flames.

Experts have warned that there is a higher risk of rule of fire, without properly identifying gas and its source.

Earlier, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and Deputy Commissioner of Korangi Masood Bhutto visited the place to review the situation. Talking to the media, Hassan said that if there is a permit for such a deep boring, it will be confirmed. He also assured that to determine which authority would be allowed for such a deep boring.

According to the Cantonment Board spokesman, the CEO of Cantonment Korangi has been on the scene since last night when the incident began monitoring the firefighting efforts.

Infreeno, which was thought to have been out of the gas pipeline after being damaged during the underground drilling, has proved to be extremely difficult to overcome.

Talking to Geo News, senior fire officer Mohammad Zafar described the fire as “mysterious”, saying it was not yet known which pipeline was affected.

He said, “The fire is mysterious. We still do not know which pipeline is.”

Zafar added that efforts to suppress flames with water are proving ineffective. Zafar explained, “We were spraying water on the flames, but it kept back.”

Zafar advised, “The fire is bursting with a pit that needs to be sealed with mud.”

Given the scale of the fire, Zafar further recommended, “We may need to use a dumper truck or helicopter to leave the soil on the flames.”

Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) announced an emergency in the land hydrant to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

A spokesman for the KWSC confirmed, “Fire brigade and rescue teams are in constant contact with fire brigade and rescue teams to maintain a permanent supply of water in charge.”

Governor Tessuri has expressed serious concern over the situation, demanding immediate and effective action.

“We must take fast steps to control the fire,” he called the Chief Fire Officer and Engineers on the site.

To further promote efforts, the governor assured the fire personnel that if they needed to leave the soil on the flames, they will manage harmony with the concerned authorities.