KARACHI: A mysterious fire in Korangi Creek has been burning for over a week, with no effective measures taken by authorities to extinguish it or address the situation. The plot where the fire is raging has been sealed off by the district administration. Although fire tenders from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the cantonment board are on-site, active firefighting efforts have yet to commence, with authorities opting to closely monitor the scenario.
The fire ignited on March 29, following the drilling of a 1,200-foot-deep borehole at the location. This has raised questions regarding the type and volume of gas that may be contributing to the fire.
Authorities have taken samples of the surrounding sand and water for chemical testing to identify the specific gas involved. A decision on how to advance is pending consultations with relevant stakeholders, and a wait-and-see approach is currently in place.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed stated that Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is managing the circumstances, while the fire brigade offers supportive measures. He noted that although the size of the fire has not varied since it started, a collaborative effort with PPL is ongoing.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the drilling activities may have caused damage to underground earth plates situated about 1,100 to 1,200 feet below the surface, potentially leading to the fire’s inception. While the precise nature of the gas has not been confirmed, it is likely that methane or biogas is fueling the flames, consistent with similar incidents.
Ahmed remarked that this occurrence is unprecedented in Karachi but is considered routine for companies such as PPL and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
He emphasized that while extinguishing the fire is feasible, doing so prematurely could exacerbate the situation. Thus, agencies are exercising caution, and fire brigade personnel are securing the area to mitigate further risks.
Despite the ongoing fire, Ahmed reassured that no nearby refineries are at immediate risk due to their sufficient distance from the blaze. Additionally, measures are being implemented to safeguard adjacent forests from potential ignition due to heat or stray flames.
