Firefighters Seen Using Buckets To Douse Blaze In Pakistan, Viral Video Sparks Outrage

A video emerging from Pakistan has ignited intense debate online after revealing troubling shortcomings in the country’s emergency response system. The incident unfolded in a densely inhabited locality where a fire suddenly broke out, prompting residents to alert the fire brigade in the hope of swift and professional intervention.However, what they witnessed instead was deeply unsettling. Firefighters reached the location but appeared to lack basic, functioning equipment. With no usable hoses or modern firefighting tools in sight, they were seen attempting to control the blaze by carrying buckets of water and throwing them at the flames, even as the fire posed a serious threat to nearby houses and shops.Footage from the scene soon went viral,

drawing sharp criticism from viewers. In the video, the person filming can be heard saying, “Yeh dekhiye inki koi taiyaari nahi thi, yeh baaltiyon se paani daal rahe hain. Yeh humara Pakistan hai, yeh CM saab yeh check kar lein (Look at this, they are not prepared at all, they are throwing water with buckets. This is our Pakistan, the Chief Minister should look into this).”Note: Times now could not verify the authenticity of the post

He follows it up with a biting remark, “Bhai, bohot taiyaari hai aapki acchi, bohot khushi hui hai hume (Brother, your preparation is excellent, we are very happy to see this),” clearly expressing his anger and frustration.As the clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, it sparked a wave of reactions. Many users expressed outrage and concern over the lack of resources provided to emergency workers. One user commented, “This is heartbreaking and alarming. Firefighters risk their lives, yet are sent without proper equipment or support. It’s not bravery that’s lacking, it’s basic infrastructure and planning. Emergencies expose the real priorities of a system, and here, the people pay the price.”Another added, “Firefighters trying their best with what they have, respect for effort. But government? Zero respect. Years of loans, IMF begging, still no proper gear. Sad reality behind the meme.”Some reactions, however, leaned toward grim humour. One user remarked, “Yeh fire brigade hai ya bucket challenge? 2026 chal raha hai aur aag bujhane ke liye balti se paani phenka ja raha hai (Is this a fire brigade or a bucket challenge? It’s 2026 and fires are being put out by throwing water in buckets).”The incident has reignited questions about preparedness, accountability, and the state of public safety infrastructure in the country, with many calling for urgent reforms.