Evaluation And Mitigation of Industrial Fire Hazards in The Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (Fiedmc) Zones

Abstract

Industrial fire hazards are a major threat to lives, infrastructure, and economic activities, especially in growing urban areas. Although industries significantly contribute to the national industrial sector but it may easily catch fire, resulting in a brutal impact on infrastructure, workers, and the environment. This research seeks to assess the characteristics, causes, and frequency of industrial fires within FIEDMC zones, pinpoint the most frequent ignition sources, and propose effective mitigation measures. A quantitative methodology was utilized to gather fire incident data from 2014 to April 2025, drawing from official reports from rescue services and fire stations on-site. The data was analyzed using Power BI to uncover trends in incidents, injuries, and fatalities, while also identifying the most prevalent causes of industrial fires. Factors considered included overloaded wiring, HVAC malfunctions, human error, structural failures, and boiler issues. The visualizations enabled the categorization of causes and the identification of high-risk years and emerging patterns. The results indicated a notable increase in fire incidents and casualties in recent years, particularly from 2020 to 2025. Electrical and mechanical failures were identified as the primary causes, with overloaded wiring alone contributing to 30.43% of fire cases, followed by HVAC problems (18.84%) and human negligence (15.94%). The highest numbers of injuries and fatalities occurred in 2023, with 410 injuries and 80 deaths, reflecting a significant lapse in safety. The study concludes that FIEDMC zones are facing a persistent fire safety crisis influenced by ingrained weaknesses in risk management. Tackling this issue requires long-term, comprehensive solutions, which include regular inspections, worker training, infrastructure improvements, and stricter enforcement of regulations. To reduce risks related to industrial fire hazard require quarterly safety audits, load assessments of all wiring systems, mandatory fire-response training for staff, and the creation of a dedicated fire risk monitoring unit in each estate. Importantly, fire safety must be treated as a management issue, not just a technical one.