Nineteen units of fire services are working to bring a massive fire under control at the Karail slum in the capital’s Mohakhali area, where a shortage of water and frequent pipe damage are hampering efforts.

Local residents have also joined the operation in an attempt to douse the flames. Around 8:30pm, the blaze was seen raging through the Bou Bazar area, particularly Kumilla Potti, Barishal Potti, and Block ‘K’.

Firefighters were spraying water to contain the flames while families who lost their homes took shelter at the Khamarbari field.

Earlier, the Fire Service and Civil Defence confirmed the incident in a press release issued around 5:30pm. Eleven units were initially dispatched, and later, eight more joined, raising the total number of units to 19.

Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director of the Fire Service’s Operation and Maintenance Department, told reporters that frequent pipe cuts were slowing down their efforts.

“Pipes are getting damaged from time to time, so we can’t work at full capacity,” he said. “We are trying to bring the northeastern part under control. Once that area is contained, we expect to control the fire quickly.”

Regarding the water shortage, he said the northeastern side was facing limited water supply, causing additional challenges. “But since there is a lake on the opposite side, we are operating at full capacity. We hope to share good news soon.”

No casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.