A fire has reignited in the Korangi Creek area of Karachi, following a previous severe incident that occurred 18 days ago, which extinguished itself despite extensive firefighting efforts. Flames are once again rising with the same intensity as before.

Fire department officials have confirmed that this time, the fire was intentionally reignited to collect environmental samples for investigative purposes. The flames can be seen from a distance, visibly towering into the sky.

Gas emissions from the affected area continue, generating a noxious odor that has prompted authorities to advise residents to steer clear of the vicinity.

The initial blaze started during water boring operations at a vacant plot in a private society near Korangi Crossing, leading to the extraction of gas and hot water from deep underground. This release has exacerbated the situation, causing the hole to widen and deepen as gas volume increases.

In response to the seriousness of the crisis, Chief Secretary of Sindh, Asif Haider Shah, has directed the Ministry of Petroleum to enlist the expertise of an American team. They will collaborate with technical teams from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and UEPL to tackle the issue.

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According to a spokesperson for the Chief Secretary, American experts have assessed the site and reported that while the fire has been extinguished, gas pressure and emissions still pose a significant risk. A plan to fill the pit with cement is under consideration to help control the gas release.

Officials have conveyed that if current efforts do not yield results, a decision may be made based on the experts’ recommendations to drill a new well in order to access the gas source directly.

Moreover, advanced equipment is being procured to measure the temperature and volume of the gas to ensure the implementation of a robust response strategy. The Sindh government has reiterated its commitment to addressing this emergency in close coordination with federal and provincial agencies.