A major fire that erupted at a cloth dyeing textile factory in Karachi’s SITE industrial area was brought under control after a two-hour firefighting operation, officials said on Thursday.

The blaze, declared a third-degree fire due to its intensity, sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky and raised fears of a major industrial disaster.

According to rescue officials, 10 fire brigade vehicles and two snorkel units were deployed to the site, while police and Rangers personnel assisted in securing the area and facilitating emergency operations. Water tankers were also dispatched by the Water Corporation to support firefighting efforts.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said the fire department received the emergency call at 6:25 a.m. and managed to contain the blaze after sustained efforts. Cooling operations continued to prevent reignition.

He revealed that the factory lacked essential fire safety equipment despite storing boilers, highly flammable chemicals and packaging material, warning that the situation could have led to a catastrophic incident, including potential boiler explosions.

Officials confirmed that timely response prevented loss of life or property damage.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and ordered immediate emergency measures along with an investigation into the cause of the fire.

He directed authorities to ensure protection of lives and property and ordered strict action against facilities illegally storing hazardous materials.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and the Sindh Inspector General of Police also instructed municipal and police officials to reach the site promptly and utilise all available resources during rescue operations.

Authorities said the fire has been fully contained, while investigations into safety compliance at the factory are underway.