The Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) preliminary investigation into the devastating H-9 Bazaar fire has identified multiple safety violations and inadequate fire safety infrastructure that contributed to the scale of the incident.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday night, destroyed nearly 370 shops before being brought under control after more than three hours.
According to the preliminary report, firefighters reached the scene within two minutes of receiving the emergency call at 9:53 PM. The blaze was contained at 1:15 AM, while cooling operations continued the following day to eliminate the risk of reignition.
The operation involved 122 personnel, including eight senior officers, supported by 17 fire engines, 15 water bowsers, and seven ambulances from the CDA, Rescue Rawalpindi, Cantonment Board Rawalpindi, Pakistan Navy, and Bahria Town. Three people were injured, with one shifted to PIMS and two treated at the scene.
The report says emergency crews faced several obstacles during the operation. A large crowd allegedly obstructed rescue efforts, with some individuals reportedly manhandling firefighters and snatching hosepipes. The absence of nearby fire hydrants and designated fire points also delayed firefighting operations.
Investigators further found multiple violations of safety regulations, including the use of tarpaulin sheets, storage of combustible materials inside shops after business hours, and the presence of illegal gas cylinders and stoves.
Following the findings, the CDA has recommended the immediate installation of fire safety infrastructure and stricter enforcement of fire safety standards and inspections across commercial markets to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
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