RAWALPINDI: A massive blaze at a textile factory in Rawalpindi’s Rawat industrial estate was extinguished on Tuesday after a 16-hour effort, according to a statement from Rescue 1122.
The fire broke out on Monday evening. No loss of life was reported in the incident.
More than 80 personnel and 21 emergency vehicles were engaged in the overnight firefighting efforts, said the statement.
It added that more than 200,000 litres of water were used, along with foam, to control the blaze. Fire tenders and firefighters from neighbouring districts were also summoned.
Firefighters, after extinguishing the blaze, continued cooling efforts. The statement added that cracks have developed in the structure and there is a risk of collapse.
The cause of the fire had yet to be established, as it was too early to determine; however, fire investigators and rescuers were present at the scene.
A day earlier, the fire, which was initially declared a second-degree blaze, caused extensive property damage and sparked panic in the area.
Up to 45 firefighters, along with 13 emergency vehicles, struggled to control the fire.
Fire services from Bahria Town and Islamabad, along with Wasa Rawalpindi, were also called in to assist the firefighting operation.
Huge plumes of thick black smoke billowed over the industrial area and could be seen from miles away.
Earlier this month, it had emerged that all high-rise buildings in the garrison city had been served notices to adopt fire safety measures within 30 days.
