Understand Fire risks in the Maldives and steps you can take to prevent, respond, and recover safely.
What are Fire Hazards?
Fires can occur in many different settings across the Maldives and are classified according to where they start and what materials are involved. Within the national context, fire incidents are generally grouped as structural, industrial, vegetation, and tourist-resort fires.
Each fire type presents unique risks to people, property, and the environment. Understanding these distinctions helps emergency services and island councils apply the right safety, response, and recovery measures suited to their setting.
Structural Fire
Structure fires (explosions, industrial & tourist resort fires excluded) refer to fires in residential, institutional, or commercial spaces and fires in any other human habitation outlined in the Maldives National Building Code Chapter A1, on any island other than the ones used exclusively as tourist resorts.
Industrial Fire
Industrial fires are recognized as fires in flammable and combustible storages (chemicals, oil, gas, timber and other materials); bowsers and vehicles used to transport fuel; industrial spaces, such as factories, industrial zones; and industrial processes executed within such spaces.
Vegetation Fire
Any fire in a natural ecosystem, such as reeds, mangroves or coastal vegetation areas, wildland-urban interface or in-land vegetation fires.
Tourist Resort Fire
All fire incidents occurring on islands used only as tourist resorts.
Fire Incidents across the Maldives
MNDF Fire and Rescue Services responding to Fire incident in Male' City. Photo Source: National Disaster Management Authority
MNDF Fire and Rescue Services responding to Green Building Fire incident in 2024. Photo Ali Nishan
MNDF Fire and Rescue Services in Action. Photo Source: MNDF
Niyama Resort Fire Incident 2018. Photo Source: Maldives Independent
Vegetation Fire in Addu City 2019. Photo Source: MNDF
Causes and Contributing Factors
Fire incidents in the Maldives can arise from a variety of causes that are not limited to a single source or setting. They may occur in homes, workplaces, industrial areas, tourist resorts, or natural environments. Most fires result from a combination of human activity, electrical or mechanical faults, and environmental conditions that allow ignition and spread.
Open flames and heat sources — unattended cooking, candles, smoking materials, or welding and mechanical sparks.
Lack of fire safety measures — absence or poor maintenance of extinguishers, alarms, or safe exits.
Industrial and mechanical risks — malfunctioning machinery, generators, or transport of flammable materials.
Unsafe handling of fuels and chemicals — leaks, spills, or improper storage of flammable materials such as gas, oil, and industrial chemicals.
Improper waste burning — burning vegetation, garbage, or debris near buildings or natural areas.
Dense built environments — close housing and limited spacing between structures increase the chance of fires spreading quickly.
Delayed detection and response — slow reporting or limited local firefighting capacity on some islands.
Impacts
Fires Incidents can cause wide-ranging impacts across human, economic, and environmental systems. The severity depends on the scale, location, and type of fire, but common impacts include:
Fatalities and Injuries
Loss of life and physical injuries among residents, workers, or visitors
Health Impacts
Exposure to smoke and toxic fumes leading to respiratory and other health complications, especially among vulnerable groups.
Damage to Property and Infrastructure
Destruction of homes, businesses, public facilities, and critical utilities.
Livelihood Disruptions
Loss of income from local enterprises, tourism, or nature-based activities.
Service Interruptions
Temporary disruption of essential services such as education, healthcare, electricity, and water supply.
Environmental Damage
Air pollution, toxic releases, and loss of biodiversity or ecosystems due to burning and chemical seepage.
Psychological and Social Effects
Mental health strain, displacement, and community stress following major fire incidents.
Economic Burden
High expenditure for emergency response, relief, reconstruction, and recovery.
Preparedness Actions
Before a Fire
✓
Install and maintain smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
Know the location of emergency exits and fire hydrants.
Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
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Store flammable materials safely and away from heat sources.
Conduct fire drills and basic firefighting training.
During a Fire
Raise the alarm and evacuate immediately.
Use extinguishers if trained and the fire is small.
Do not use elevators—use stairs.
If trapped, stay low to avoid smoke and heat.
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Call the Maldives National Defence Force Fire and Rescue Service..
After a Fire
Do not enter burnt structures until cleared by authorities.
Report damaged utilities..
Provide support to affected individuals and families.
Explore video guides on fire prevention
How to use a fire extinguisher
Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher correctly can save lives and prevent small fires from turning into major disasters. Remember: Safety comes first — if a fire is too large or spreading rapidly, evacuate immediately and call the FRS hotline 118
Preventing Gas Leaks
Gas leaks can happen anywhere — at home, in restaurants, or in workplaces — and even a small leak can quickly turn dangerous if not handled properly. Learn simple and effective steps to detect, prevent, and respond to gas leaks safely.
Home Fire Safety
Most home fires start small and can often be prevented with simple precautions. Every household can take to reduce fire risks, from safe cooking and electrical use to keeping fire extinguishers and smoke alarms ready.
Kitchen Fire Safety
The kitchen is one of the most common places where fires begin, but most can be prevented with a few simple habits. This video explains how to cook safely and react quickly if a fire starts.
