Warehouse Fire in Maafannu Extinguished, Evacuations and Support Underway

A fire that broke out last night in a warehouse near Thoiba Mosque in Male’s Maafannu ward has been fully extinguished, with authorities evacuating 77 people from 15 nearby homes and providing them with temporary shelters.

Special arrangements have been activated at the Maafannu Social Centre to support those impacted. The blaze began at 21:30 at the Prime Fertilizer warehouse in M. Kairu, which stores herbicides and chemical fertilisers. Firefighters from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue, assisted by the Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) unit from Velana International Airport, brought the fire under control at around 23:15 using an airport fire truck. Although the flames were extinguished, the area remained heavily filled with smoke.

Authorities reported that a woman was admitted to hospital after inhaling smoke, while no other injuries have been confirmed. The warehouse was completely destroyed.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is providing ongoing support to affected residents, including checks and assistance for 32 people from four nearby homes. Teams remain fully mobilised in the area.

Residents and businesses in the vicinity have been advised to keep doors closed, limit outdoor activity, and wear masks if exposed to smoke. Motorists are asked to follow police instructions and use alternative routes due to the presence of hazardous chemicals.

The fire also prompted precautionary measures at the nearby election centre, which was evacuated. Authorities confirmed that no election documents were damaged, but the process of signing the final voter register by candidates’ representatives has been temporarily suspended. Preparations continue for the upcoming referendum and local council elections scheduled for next month.