Korangi Creek fire extinguished naturally after 18 days

The Korangi Creek fire was finally extinguished on its own on Tuesday, after burning intensely for over two weeks. Earlier, authorities had made days-long efforts and even sought help from international experts to control the blaze.

The highly intense fire erupted on March 28 but couldn't be controlled after an 18-day joint effort by several companies including Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEPL), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), and the fire brigade.

On Monday, the Sindh government decided to take assistance from a US-based firm renowned for its global expertise in well control and emergency response. 

Read: Karachi's Korangi fire continues to rage for fourth consecutive day

Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and the Ministry of Petroleum jointly decided to engage a team of experts from Cudd Well Control, a US-based firm.

However, the fire recently extinguished on its own, but the gas continued to seep from the site, spreading a strong odor across the area.

As a precaution, authorities have banned individual entry into the affected zone.

Notably, the fire, which took over half a month to be extinguished, erupted while digging on an empty plot. 

Initially, authorities attempted to control the blazes by throwing water, but this was unsuccessful, and the spreading water was seen returning with more flames. 

Subsequently, Plan 'B' was implemented. This involved filling the pit with cement and potentially digging a new wall to reach the gas source. 

Modern equipment was used to determine the quantity and temperature of the gas. Experts warned that the fire could reignite due to the presence of gas in the pit.

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