No Casualties Reported as Over 60 Firefighters from Multiple Districts Join Efforts to Extinguish Factory Blaze in Western Peshawar
Peshawar, Pakistan – A massive fire broke out at the Royal PVC Green Tissue Paper and Diapers Factory in Peshawar’s Hayatabad Industrial Estate on Saturday, around 1:40 pm, sparking an intensive firefighting operation that involved emergency crews from six neighboring districts. Rescue 1122 officials attribute the blaze to an electrical short circuit, though no injuries were reported.
Firefighters from Across the Region Join Forces
The blaze quickly spread across the factory, which manufactures highly flammable polythene-based products, intensifying the firefighting challenge. More than 30 fire tenders, including 10 from outside Peshawar, were deployed to contain the fire. Firefighters from Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi, Nowshera, and the Khyber district all arrived to support the mission, as confirmed by Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Faizi.
“The materials used in the factory made the fire difficult to contain, as polythene melts rapidly and spreads,” said Faizi. “Several firefighters experienced heat exhaustion, but fortunately, all personnel are safe.” Rescuers relied on foam and water to mitigate the spread, and, as of late afternoon, about 50% of the fire was reported under control.
Smoke Clouds Visible Across Peshawar as Fire Flares Up
The fire’s intensity generated thick plumes of smoke, visible from kilometers away across the Peshawar Cantonment and Kohat Road areas. As videos and images of the blaze circulated online, large crowds gathered nearby to assist, with some helping to move factory stock away from the flames. Nearby residents in Hayatabad reported seeing clouds of smoke hanging over the city as the firefighting operation continued into the evening.
Minor Injuries and Community Response
According to Dr. Shahzad Akbar Khan, Medical Director at Hayatabad Medical Complex, a few patients with minor burns were admitted and quickly discharged following first-aid treatment. Rescue 1122’s spokesperson emphasized that the collective action taken by residents and emergency responders prevented a potential disaster from escalating further.
Official Response and Ongoing Efforts
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Faisal Karim Kundi, was briefed on the operation and advised the provincial commissioner to seek Pakistan Air Force helicopters for additional support if needed. “We are doing everything we can to prevent further damage and are committed to fully extinguishing the blaze as soon as possible,” Kundi stated in a press release.
