KARACHI: A huge fire erupted at a factory in SITE on Thursday evening, prompting authorities to call fire tenders across the metropolis. However, no casualties were reported.

Rescue 1122 Spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan told Dawn that information about a fire at a textile industry near Nauras Chowrangi was received around 6:15pm.

He said 10 fire tenders of Rescue 1122, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) fire brigade and two snorkels were busy controlling the blaze.

“Fire tenders have been called across the metropolis as the fire has been declared a third-degree blaze,” he said.

Khan said the affected factory was a clothes-dyeing unit, adding that chemicals were also stocked there. However, no casualties had been reported so far, he said.

Meanwhile, Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho took notice of the incident and directed personnel to immediately reach the spot, cordon it off, and secure the surrounding areas.

The IGP also directed officials to clear a pathway for the fire brigade and rescue teams.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, in a post on X, said, “Fire has erupted at a factory in SITE industrial area and is being attended to.”

“No injury or loss of life has been reported so far. Fire and rescue team is present dealing with the situation. Will keep everyone posted,” he said.

Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed officials to take emergency steps to control the blaze. He also ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the fire.

According to an official statement, he also issued instructions for a comprehensive audit of all factories in the province.

He said chemical safety protocols should be implemented strictly in industrial units, and action should be taken against those who stocked chemicals without any permission.

He said fire safety and chemical storage should be examined in factories and an inspection drive of all industrial units should be initiated.

“An audit report should be submitted to the CM office immediately,” Murad directed, vowing that no one would be allowed to play with the lives of the people.