Firefighters said the effort to control the massive blaze in Karail slum is facing major challenges, as fire engines cannot reach the core of the burning area due to narrow passages. Firefighters are being forced to drag long water lines deep into the settlement, slowing response time.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, November 25, Fire Service Director (Operations and Maintenance) Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said the intensity of the fire had started to decrease gradually and that the number of deployed units had increased to 20.
“If the flames on the east and west sides continue to reduce, we hope to bring the fire under full control,” he said. “Once that happens, we will identify the source and then declare control. But flames are still visible in the northeast section.”
He added that the operation was being hampered by crowds entering the area.
“There is a large gathering of people. Many are creating obstacles — pipes are being stepped on, dragged or cut. Despite these limitations, our teams are working continuously,” he said.
Lt. Col. Tajul said water access remains a challenge as firefighting teams must refill from designated sources and transport it through extended hose networks.
He acknowledged response delays, saying the first firefighting unit took more than 35 minutes to reach the slum due to severe traffic congestion.
“If we had reached earlier, we might have contained the fire before it spread to this level,” he said. “By the time we arrived, the fire was already at an advanced stage. Once a blaze reaches the third stage, controlling it takes time.”
Fire Service officials said they received the distress call around 5:22 pm on Tuesday, November 25, but were delayed in reaching the scene due to gridlocked roads surrounding the dense settlement.
Once on site, several units quickly ran out of onboard water and were forced to improvise. Firefighters installed generators along the lake beside the slum and began pumping water directly through long hose lines to reach burning structures.
Residents said many people were outside working when the blaze began, and rushed back only to find homes already engulfed. Some managed to salvage TVs, refrigerators, and bedding; many others escaped with nothing.
Siraj Ali, a resident of 10 years, stood helplessly watching the flames consume what remained of his home.
“I bought everything slowly over the years — furniture, TV, fridge — all on installments,” he said, tears rolling down his face. “Everything burned before my eyes. Where will I live now?”
Firefighters at the scene said the slum’s narrow pathways made it nearly impossible for engines to move in, forcing responders to drag hoses deep inside on foot.
Fire Service duty officer Rashed Bin Khalid confirmed that 19 units were now battling the flames but warned progress remained slow, citing both access challenges and limited water supply.
Dozens of families have already fled the burning settlement, many seeking temporary refuge along Banani Road 11 and beside Gulshan Lake. Children cried from hunger as parents — who left without money, clothes, or documents — searched for help.
Among them were Azizur Rahman and Anjumanara, who grabbed their three children and ran as the fire spread.
“We escaped with only our children,” said Anjumanara. “Everything else is gone. I don’t know where we will sleep tonight.”
Elsewhere, Ashraful — a mason — emerged from the chaos carrying his young son and a single salvaged item: a 21-inch television.
“My house is gone,” he said. “I don’t know what comes next. I am asking anyone who can help — please help.”
As darkness falls, thick smoke still billows over the settlement and the flames remain uncontrolled.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire or assess the scale of destruction, but hundreds are feared displaced.