A major fire broke out at a petrol shed in Sh. Funadhoo on Sunday morning, spreading to nearby residential properties and garages, forcing authorities to evacuate residents as emergency teams worked to contain the blaze.
The fire originated at “Faiymini” Petrol Shed, a privately operated fuel station located in a residential area of the island. Initial reports indicated that at least one house and a garage had been severely damaged, while the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) subsequently confirmed that four houses and five garages had been affected.
The extent of the damage to each property has not yet been established.
Residents described the fire as particularly alarming because of the petrol shed’s proximity to surrounding homes, raising concerns that the flames could spread further through the neighbourhood.
According to accounts from the island, the fire intensified rapidly, prompting efforts to move people away from nearby properties.
NDMA confirmed that residents of neighbouring houses had been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
One resident, speaking at approximately 8:53 am, said firefighters had yet to bring the blaze under control and that flames were continuing to spread.
The fire has also prompted an emergency response involving personnel from Funadhoo Airport, with airport firefighting vehicles deployed to assist in extinguishing the flames.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed at approximately 8:37 am that military firefighters stationed at the HDh. Kulhudhuffushi Fire Station were travelling to Funadhoo to reinforce the response.
MNDF also confirmed that airport firefighters were already engaged in efforts to contain the fire.
The deployment of airport firefighting resources highlights the scale of the emergency, with responders working to prevent further damage to surrounding properties.
The incident has also reportedly disrupted flight operations at Funadhoo Airport.
A local resident said a Maldivian flight scheduled to land at approximately 9:45 am had instead been diverted to N. Maafaru International Airport.
The resident attributed the diversion to the deployment of the airport’s firefighting vehicles to the emergency response.
However, the airline and airport authorities have not yet independently confirmed the reported diversion or announced the extent of any disruption to scheduled flights.
It also remains unclear when normal airport operations will resume.
Funadhoo, the administrative capital of Shaviyani Atoll, is home to residential neighbourhoods, businesses and essential public services.
The island’s airport provides an important transport connection for residents and travellers moving between the northern atolls and other parts of the Maldives.
The location of the fuel station within a residential area has heightened concerns about the potential consequences of the fire, particularly given the presence of neighbouring homes and commercial properties.
Fuel-related fires can present significant challenges for emergency responders because of the flammable materials involved and the possibility of flames spreading to nearby structures.
The cause of the Funadhoo fire has not yet been established, and authorities have not announced whether anyone has been injured.
The number of people displaced by the evacuation also remains unclear.
Emergency personnel were continuing their response at the time of the initial reports, while residents awaited further information on the condition of affected properties and the safety of surrounding areas.
Authorities have yet to provide a final assessment of the damage or confirm when the fire will be fully contained.
