A major fire broke out at a plastic granules manufacturing factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Karachi on Friday, spreading rapidly to a neighbouring facility and triggering a large-scale emergency response, officials said.

The blaze erupted at around 9.00 p.m. and was later declared a third-degree fire due to its intensity and risk of extensive damage.

Fire brigade officials said the flames initially broke out at the plastic processing unit before engulfing an adjacent factory. Both buildings were soon fully ablaze. A nearby shoe warehouse was also located close to the affected structures, raising concerns over further spread.

Authorities said firefighters were continuously spraying water on a third factory to prevent the flames from reaching it.

At least 10 fire tenders were dispatched to the site, while Rescue 1122 deployed four additional firefighting vehicles. Fire engines from across the city were also called in to assist in the operation.

However, rescue efforts were hampered by severe traffic congestion. The stretch from Malir Court to the Qaidaabad Bridge remained gridlocked, delaying the arrival of emergency vehicles.

“Under such traffic conditions, it becomes extremely difficult to arrive on time,” a fire officer said.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said additional snorkels and water bowsers were on the way, adding that timely access depended on the clearance of roads.

“If roads remain open, we can reach the site promptly,” he said.

Officials said the fire continued to spread late into the night and had not been brought under control at the time of reporting. Emergency teams were working to contain the flames and prevent further damage to nearby facilities.

No casualties were immediately reported.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

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