PESHAWAR: Cooling process was underway at the tissue paper factory in Hayatabad area here after the firefighters put out a raging blaze after more than 26 hours long operation. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi told Dawn that the firefighting operation lasted about 26 hours.

He said that 130 fighters and 31 fire tenders were engaged to put out the blaze.

Mr Faizi said that currently cooling process was underway at the factory and it was likely to take place about six hours. He said that the fire erupted as a huge quantity of polythene was stashed inside the factory.

He said that the polythene melted due to the fire and the resultant blaze was really difficult to be put out.

He said that initially the factory workers tried to bring the fire under control after it started in the factory’s basement instead of calling the Rescue 1122 personnel, who were stationed just stone’s throw from the location. He said that this delayed the response time.

Mr Faizi said the fire badly damaged the building as it developed cracks, while some portions of it also collapsed.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024