Massive fire breaks out in Karail slum; 16 units engaged

A massive fire has broken out in the capital’s Karail slum, with 16 units of the Fire Service working to bring the blaze under control.

The fire, which started on Tuesday afternoon, November 25, spread rapidly across the slum’s densely packed tin-shed houses, taking on a fierce and devastating form.

Initially, 11 units of the Fire Service were deployed, but due to severe traffic congestion in Dhaka, not all units were able to reach the site even 30 minutes after departure.

According to the Fire Service Media Cell, they received the fire alert at 5:22pm. By around 6:05pm, seven units had managed to reach the scene and began firefighting operations. The latest update confirmed that a total of 16 units were working at the site.

Rashed Bin Khalid, Duty Officer at the Fire Service Control Room, said they received the alert at 5:22pm and immediately dispatched 11 units. However, due to heavy traffic, none of the units could reach the spot promptly.

Eyewitnesses reported that the intensity of the fire escalated significantly as it took a long time for the units to arrive. Flames rapidly spread from one tin-roofed house to another, causing widespread panic. Residents attempted to salvage their belongings as best they could.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined. No casualties have been reported so far.