Lahore Shah Alam Market fire brought under control after 14 hours

A fire that broke out at a jewellery shop on the fourth floor of Fatima Plaza in Lahore’s Shah Alam Market was brought under control after nearly 14 hours, with no loss of life reported.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Ali Ejaz said more than 60 personnel from Rescue 1122, the Water and Sanitation Agency and other departments took part in the emergency operation.

Rescue 1122 said the fire started at Raja Jewellers, a jewellery shop located on the fourth floor of Fatima Plaza. The blaze was reported at about 2.30pm on Tuesday and was brought under control at around 4.30am on Wednesday.

Rescue officials said one ambulance, five motorbike ambulances, 11 fire vehicles and four rescue vehicles, along with more than 60 rescuers and senior officers, took part in the operation.

Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf reached the site and reviewed the firefighting operation. Deputy Commissioner Ali Ejaz supervised the efforts, while the commissioner also inspected rescue points alongside the deputy commissioner and rescue teams.

Rescue workers faced difficulties in reaching and controlling the fire because of the narrow and dark streets in the Shah Alam Market. However, the firefighting and rescue operation continued, with the affected area kept blocked to facilitate emergency work.

Water tankers provided by WASA and the Parks and Horticulture Authority also supported the rescue teams during the operation.

The commissioner said the cause of the fire would be determined after the cooling process had been completed.

The deputy commissioner said Fatima Plaza was a seven-storey building and that the fire had broken out on its fourth floor. He added that the Building Control Authority would decide whether the building was safe and suitable for use.

Reporter: Faran Yameen