Fire at waste area spreads smoke throughout Male

A fire that started last Friday afternoon at Waste Area 1 located behind the STO Petrol Shed is spreading smoke all over Male’, as it continues to burn in the area.

Residents have complained of smoke and stench coming from the area.

Media Official of Maldives National Defence Force, Lieutenant Abdullah Ali said today that continuous efforts are underway to control the fire, however, the bottom of the pile continues to burn.

He said that it is not easy to put the fire out as the waste pile contains substances that catch fire easily.

“We have controlled the fire. We have resumed extinguishing efforts after it started burning again today. But the area is filled with waste, making it difficult to put the fire out,” he said.

MNDF Fire and Rescue Lorries have been shooting water at the waste pile that is on fire. It has not been possible to contact Male’ City Council on this matter.

The Waste Area 1 was also set on fire on 19 March this year. The fire spread and damaged goods at nearby shops.

Several other fire incidents have occurred at waste areas in Male’.