A devastating fire that broke out at a factory in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (EPZ) has finally been brought under control after nearly 17 hours of continuous firefighting efforts.
According to the Fire Service, the blaze was fully contained around 7:30am on Friday. A total of 25 fire service units worked non-stop throughout the night, supported by members of the army, navy, air force and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Director Mohammad Jasim Uddin said firefighters conducted the operation in a coordinated manner while ensuring their own safety. Preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent establishments was the biggest success, he added.
The Fire Service has formed a five-member investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within 15 working days.
The fire originated at around 2pm on Thursday at Adams Caps and Textile Limited, located in Zone 5 of the EPZ. Within a short time, it spread to the adjacent Jin Hong Medical factory, leaving both factories severely damaged. The intensity of the fire was so high that parts of the building’s roof collapsed.
Initial assessments suggest that the presence of fabric, yarn and chemical substances inside the textile facility accelerated the spread of the flames, making the operation extremely challenging for responders.
Authorities said at least 25 to 30 people who were inside the building at the time of the fire were rescued immediately. No casualties have been reported so far.
