Fire Breaks Out on Top Floor of Banani Building

A significant fire broke out on the top floor of an eleven-storey building in the Banani area of the capital on Wednesday evening. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the incident occurred at approximately 18:30. Five firefighting units were deployed to the scene to bring the blaze under control.

Incident Details and Emergency Response

The fire was reported at House 44, Road 12, located adjacent to the Banani Kitchen Market. The Fire Service media cell confirmed the details via an official WhatsApp message, stating that the fire originated on the 11th floor of the structure.

Upon receiving the alert, two units from the Baridhara Fire Station were dispatched immediately. These first responders arrived at the site within 15 minutes of the report to commence firefighting operations. Due to the height of the building and the potential risk of the fire spreading, an additional three units were later mobilised to assist, bringing the total number of active units to five.

Site Context and Safety Measures

The affected area, Banani, is a densely populated commercial and residential hub in Dhaka. Road 12 is known for its proximity to the local kitchen market, which often experiences high foot traffic during evening hours. As news of the fire spread, local residents and traders expressed concern regarding the safety of adjacent structures.

Law enforcement personnel arrived shortly after the fire crews to manage the crowd and ensure that emergency vehicles had unobstructed access to the building. The specific nature of the 11th floor—whether it was being used for residential, commercial, or storage purposes—has not yet been officially confirmed by the authorities.

Investigation and Current Status

As of the latest reports, the primary focus of the Fire Service remains the complete suppression of the flames and the prevention of any secondary ignitions. No immediate casualties have been reported from the site, and it remains unclear if any individuals were trapped inside when the fire started.

The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the financial or structural damage are currently unknown. Following standard operating procedures, the Fire Service and Civil Defence are expected to form an investigation committee to determine the origin of the blaze. Factors such as electrical short circuits or gas line leaks are typically examined in such urban high-rise incidents. Further details regarding the safety compliance of the building are expected to be released once the damping-down process is concluded and a formal inspection is performed.