The Korangi fire has been raging in Karachi’s Korangi Creek area since March 29, 2025, following a drilling operation that triggered an underground gas ignition. The mysterious fire remains uncontrolled, causing authorities to seal off the affected site and monitor the situation closely.
Korangi Fire Update: What Caused the Blaze?
The Korangi Creek fire erupted during water boring in a private housing society near Korangi fire location at Korangi Crossing. A local construction company drilled a 1,200-foot borehole, unknowingly releasing high-pressure methane gas trapped underground. The gas ignited due to the heat from drilling, leading to an ongoing fire that has persisted for several days.
Challenges in Controlling the Korangi Gas Fire
Efforts to extinguish the Korangi gas fire have been unsuccessful due to extreme heat and the nature of underground gas reserves. Firefighters from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Cantonment Board have been on standby, but traditional methods like water and foam have proven ineffective. Experts suggest that allowing the fire to burn out naturally might be the safest approach.
Korangi Fire Location and Safety Concerns
The fire is concentrated near Korangi Creek, an area known for potential methane gas and coal deposits. Authorities have marked a 90-meter restricted zone to protect residents and workers from the hazardous flames. Despite warnings, some people have visited the site out of curiosity, prompting officials to enforce stricter safety measures.
Scientific Insights: Why is the Fire Still Burning?
Geologists believe the Korangi Creek fire is fueled by trapped methane gas continuously seeping through fractures in underground rock layers. Research, including a 2020 Chinese study, suggests significant natural gas and hydrocarbon reserves in the area. The fire’s persistence depends on the volume of these reserves; if substantial, it could continue burning for an extended period.
The district administration, along with the Sui Southern Gas Company and Pakistan Petroleum Limited, is closely monitoring the Korangi fire update. Soil and water samples have been collected for chemical analysis to determine the exact nature of the gas fueling the fire. However, the lack of specialized firefighting equipment in Pakistan has complicated containment efforts.
This incident has raised concerns about drilling safety and the potential risks of underground gas pockets in Karachi. If large gas reserves are confirmed, the authorities may need to reassess construction and excavation practices in the region to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
