RAWALPINDI: The Islamabad International Airport (IIA) authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the real cause of fire that broke out near two watchtowers and then spread due to strong wind on Wednesday.

According to sources, fire broke out at about 1:30pm outside the airport boundary wall near a watch tower. It erupted in dried grass and suddenly spread over a large area due to strong winds.

The CAA fire fighting crew and Airport Security Force staff reached the spot and controlled the fire. However, no damage was reported. The relevant authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of fire.

Separately fire broke out in a shopping centre in Rehmanabad at about 10:25am on Wednesday.

Panic gripped the shopkeepers as smoke started rising from the basement. However, Rescue 1122 firefighters and police reached the scene and managed to extinguish the fire before it spread in the market.

During the firefighting operation, Rescue 1122 staff found Rs500,000 from a shop which was returned to its owner by emergency officer Sibghatullah.

The fire department gave the cause of the fire as electric short circuit.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2021