The response to the fire was swift but not immediate. The initial confusion and lack of a well-organized emergency response plan allowed the flames to gain ground. Residents and shopkeepers in the area were the first to attempt to douse the fire, using whatever water or sand they could find. However, their efforts were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the blaze.
As the fire continued to spread, panic ensued. Shush Square, typically a busy and active hub, became a scene of chaos. People fled their homes and businesses, carrying what few belongings they could. Others, desperate to help or to protect their properties, ran toward the fire, hoping to do something—anything—to stop the destruction.
Firefighting units from across Tehran were dispatched to the scene. This included the city’s fire brigade, police forces, military personnel, and even engineering teams from various government departments. In an unprecedented move, two aircraft were summoned to assist in the firefighting effort, marking the first time in Iranian history that aerial units had been used in such a capacity. These aircraft dropped water and fire-retardant chemicals over the affected area, providing some relief and helping to slow the progress of the fire.