A devastating fire that broke out at Kalshi slum in capital's Mirpur area on Monday evening was brought under control after nearly two and a half hours of effort.
Officials feared that more than 100 houses may have been gutted.
According to Fire Service and Civil Defence officials, the fire was fully brought under control at around 9:35 PM.
Fire Service media cell official Talha bin Jashim confirmed that 15 firefighting units were deployed to contain the blaze.
He said the fire was first reported at 7:23 PM, after which initial response teams rushed to the scene and began operations. As the flames rapidly spread through the densely packed settlement, additional units were deployed, bringing the total to 15.
“Due to severe water shortage at the site, firefighters had to bring water from alternative distant sources, which slowed down the operation,” he said, adding that strong winds also intensified the fire.
Another Fire Service official, Anwarul Islam Dolon, said the blaze initially started with seven units responding, later reinforced by additional units to bring the situation under control.
He confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far and the cause of the fire could not be immediately determined.
However, Fire Service sources indicated that more than 100 houses in the slum may have been burned in the incident.
Authorities said assessments of damage and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
