A fire that broke out in a plastic goods factory located in the Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Landhi has been extinguished after 14 hours, officials said on Saturday.

According to rescue authorities, the fire that had also spread to a shoes and garments factory has been brought under control, and cooling operations are now underway to prevent any flare-ups.

Sources said the blaze caused cracks in the building’s walls, forcing rescue teams to break through and access the upper floors.

A total of three snorkels, four water bowsers, and 12 fire brigade vehicles were deployed to tackle the fire.

Teams from the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC), Rescue 1122, and Pakistan Navy, police and Rangers also assisted in the relief and containment efforts.

Earlier, officials stated that the third-degree fire had largely been brought under control.

According to Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan, about 80 per cent of the blaze had been contained, though the cooling process may take another three to four days to complete.

He said the fire first erupted at a plastic factory and later spread to a neighbouring unit.

Due to timely action by firefighting teams, a third factory was successfully saved, he added.

The chief fire officer stated that a separate fire that broke out at a warehouse storing used clothes and shoes has been completely extinguished.

Officials said the fire started at around 8.40pm on Friday, after which multiple rescue and fire brigade vehicles were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The operation involved the use of three snorkels and 12 fire tenders to bring the blaze under control.

Fire brigade officials said the situation is now under control, but the operation will only be concluded after the cooling process is fully completed.

An investigation has also been launched to determine the cause of the fire.