KARACHI: A fire that broke out in the basement of an eight-storey residential building near the Baloch Colony flyover was brought under control on Thursday, authorities said, with at least 100 residents safely evacuated as a precautionary measure.
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According to rescue officials, the blaze erupted in the building’s basement, which houses an electricity generator and a parking area. Fire brigade teams initially dispatched three fire engines to the site, later reinforced by two snorkels and four additional fire tenders to contain the flames.
Officials said residents were evacuated promptly to prevent injuries and loss of life. The building, which has four residential units on each floor, is located in a densely populated and busy area near the Baloch Colony flyover. Emergency crews cordoned off the surrounding roads to facilitate rescue operations and ensure public safety.
کراچی: بلوچ کالونی پل کے قریب 8منزلہ رہائشی عمارت میں لگی آگ پر قابو پالیاگیاhttps://t.co/HPi9nvA9vj pic.twitter.com/05uG6Xhm6O
— Daily Qudrat ( Latest News ) (@DailyQudrat) February 12, 2026
While the fire was eventually extinguished, the cause has yet to be determined. Authorities said a formal investigation would be launched once the situation was fully stabilised.
The incident has again raised concerns about emergency preparedness in the city. A resident of the affected building alleged that fire brigade vehicles initially arrived without sufficient fuel to operate effectively. She told the media that residents were forced to arrange around 30 litres of petrol themselves to keep firefighting efforts going.
The resident also praised Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Arsalan, calling him a “real hero” for his role in evacuating residents from their flats amid the chaos. She credited the police officer with helping ensure people’s safety during the emergency.
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Following the incident, Sindh Inspector General of Police Jawed Akhtar Odho directed senior officers to immediately reach the site. He ordered the affected building and surrounding areas to be secured and instructed authorities to clear routes for fire engines, ambulances and rescue teams.
The fire is the latest in a string of incidents highlighting Karachi’s persistent safety challenges. In January alone, 225 fire incidents were reported in the city, while February has already seen more than 20 blazes in its first five days, underscoring ongoing concerns over fire safety and emergency response.