Massive fire at textile factory in Rawalpindi’s Rawat area extinguished after 16 hours

RAWALPINDI: A huge fire that engulfed a textile factory in the Rawat industrial area of Rawalpindi was brought under control on Tuesday after a struggle of 16 hours, a statement by Rescue 1122 said.

The fire occurred in the evening on Monday. There was no loss of life reported in the incident.

More than 80 personnel and 21 emergency vehicles were used in the firefighting efforts during the overnight operation, the statement said.

It further explained that more than 200,000 litres of water were sprayed, as well as foam, to contain the fire. Fire tenders and fire personnel from the neighbouring districts were summoned.

Those firefighters, having put out the fire, continued to cool the structure. Added to this was the fact that there were cracks, which eventually posed the risk of the structure collapsing.

The cause of the fire remained unknown as it was too early to determine; however, there were fire investigators and rescuers at the scene.

A day before the fire, which was originally classified as a second-degree fire, had caused much property damage and had sparked panic in the area.

Until 45 firefighters, aided by 13 emergency vehicles, were struggling to effectively manage the fire.

Fire services from Bahria Town and Islamabad, along with Wasa Rawalpindi, were also summoned to aid the firefighting efforts.

Huge plumes of thick black smoke were seen rising over the industrial area, and it was visible from many miles away.

It had also emerged earlier in the month that all high-rise buildings in the garrison city had been asked to implement fire safety arrangements within 30 days after being served notice.