ALBAWABA- A ferocious fire ripped through a crowded commercial building in Cairo’s Al-Hirafiyyin neighborhood on Tuesday evening, sending thick black smoke billowing over the Nile and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents and workers from the city’s famed Islamic crafts quarter.
More than 20 fire engines and specialized units from Egypt’s Civil Protection Authority rushed to the scene around 8 p.m. after explosions and flames were reported at a multi-story warehouse storing textiles and artisanal goods, hallmarks of the district’s centuries-old coppersmithing and metalworking trades.
After more than five hours of intense firefighting, the blaze was finally contained in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Health Ministry confirmed that at least 12 people were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns, though no fatalities had been reported.
Authorities believe the fire began with an electrical fault in overloaded wiring, an all-too-common hazard in the area’s aging Ottoman-era buildings.
The flames quickly spread to nearby shops, prompting police to cordon off several blocks and divert traffic from major roads, including Al-Azhar Street.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as families and shopkeepers fled carrying whatever goods they could salvage, while thick smoke drifted toward Tahrir Square, shrouding parts of downtown Cairo.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly ordered immediate assessments of structural damage and pledged compensation and temporary housing for affected families. Officials also voiced concern over the loss of valuable artisanal tools and inventory estimated in the millions of Egyptian pounds.
The incident adds to a troubling rise in fire outbreaks across central Cairo in recent months. Experts warn that outdated electrical systems, lax building codes, and high urban density are fueling a wave of preventable disasters.
In July, a blaze at a telecommunications hub killed four people and disrupted national services, while smaller fires have struck government buildings in the 15th of May district and the Awqaf Ministry headquarters.
