Woman hospitalized for smoke inhalation after chemical warehouse fire in Maafannu

A woman has been admitted to hospital after inhaling smoke from the fire that broke out in a fertilizer warehouse in Male's Maafannu ward on Wednesday evening.

The fire began at around 21:30 in the Prime Fertilizer warehouse located in M. Kairu, a storage site for herbicides and other chemicals, near Thoiba Mosque. Both MNDF Fire and Rescue and MACL’s ARFF firefighters responded to the scene.

The blaze, which engulfed the entire warehouse structure, was brought under control at around 23:15 with the help of an ARFF fire truck from Velana International Airport. Although the flames were extinguished, the area remained heavily filled with smoke.

Police said a woman is receiving treatment for smoke inhalation. No further details about her condition have been released.

Alifaan nivvaalaifi, eheevaan social center ga khaassa inthizaamu thakehhttps://t.co/5DprjATsZt
Follow us:
Viber: https://t.co/r1ic7mirrB
Telegram: https://t.co/plOPl2zYfy#sunonline #seemv #news #sunonlineheadlines #latestnews #dhivehinews #maldivesnews pic.twitter.com/8QAnZvnXcy

— sun.mv (@sunbrk) March 18, 2026

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area due to the presence of hazardous chemicals. Residents and businesses nearby have been advised to keep doors closed, limit outdoor activity, and wear masks if exposed to smoke. Motorists have also been asked to use alternative routes and follow police instructions.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has set up support arrangements at the Social Centre for those affected.

The warehouse has been completely destroyed. No other injuries have been reported so far.