The devastating fire that swept through the capital’s Karail slum in Mohakhali has been brought under control after more than five hours of efforts by 19 units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

Fire Service Warehouse Inspector Anwarul Islam confirmed in a text message that the blaze was brought under control at 10:35pm on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Fire Service reported the incident in a press release around 5:30pm, initially deploying 11 units to the scene. As the flames intensified, eight more units joined, bringing the total to 19.

Residents said the fire originated in the Bou Bazar area of the slum. Abul Abbas Ali, a resident of the area, said the blaze engulfed Cumilla Potti, Barishal Potti and Block ‘K’, burning down more than a thousand shanties within moments.

Near the affected zone, in the Baitul Aman area, Abdur Rahim was seen helping authorities control the crowd.

He said many families fled their homes in fear, leaving their houses empty. To prevent looting, police, Ansar members and local volunteers were working to keep the area secure.

Families Under Open Sky

Many displaced families have taken shelter in Khamarbari Eidgah field, Ershad School ground, and Mohakhali T&T ground after losing their homes. At the Khamarbari ground, more than a hundred families were spending the night under the open sky with whatever belongings they managed to save.

A similar scene was observed at the T&T ground, where hundreds gathered with their salvageable possessions. People sat around small fires made of wood and plastic to ward off mosquitoes and the night chill.

Robin Sheikh, an autorickshaw driver, said his house was located near the ‘Mayer Doa’ School in Cumilla Potti. As the flames approached dangerously close, they had no choice but to flee. Speaking around 9pm, he feared his home had already been reduced to ashes. He said he had three adjacent rooms, all likely gone.

His wife, Nurena Begum, said the fire had spread from Barishal Potti. As the flames rapidly expanded, they managed to take only two racks from their home, leaving everything else to burn.

More updates are awaited from the authorities regarding the cause of the fire and the scale of damage.