The Maldives is preparing to introduce drones capable of assisting firefighters in tackling fires in high-rise buildings, as authorities look for new ways to respond to emergencies in densely populated urban areas.
Defence and National Service Minister Hassan Rasheed revealed the plan during the latest Ahaa public forum, saying assessments and trials for drone-assisted firefighting have already been carried out in Malé.
The government expects the new capability could become operational by the end of this year or early next year.
Rasheed disclosed the plans after a member of the public raised concerns about whether emergency services have sufficient resources to respond to fires in high-rise residential developments such as the Hiyaa towers in Hulhumalé Phase II.
With thousands of residents living across high-rise housing developments, the minister said authorities need to ensure firefighters have the equipment necessary to mount an effective response if a major incident occurs.
Drones are not the only new equipment being considered.
The government is also working to procure additional specialised fire trucks and water bowser vehicles, with the procurement process assigned to State Trading Organisation (STO).
According to Rasheed, the new firefighting vehicles are intended to provide access to buildings reaching approximately 15 storeys.
However, the minister acknowledged that taller equipment alone would not resolve all of the challenges faced by firefighters, particularly in Malé.
The capital’s narrow streets, congestion and parked vehicles can make it difficult for large emergency vehicles to reach buildings quickly or position themselves effectively during a fire.
Rasheed said vehicles parked over fire hydrants have also created difficulties for emergency responders. The government expects ongoing road redevelopment work in the capital to improve access for firefighters over the longer term.
The limitations of conventional firefighting vehicles are among the reasons authorities are exploring drones as an additional tool for responding to fires at height.
Rasheed said experiments involving firefighting drones have already been conducted in Malé and that the necessary assessments for introducing the technology have been completed.
The announcement comes as fire safety in densely populated residential areas continues to draw public attention.
In January, a fire originating from an outdoor air-conditioning unit on the 15th floor of Hiyaa Tower 5 damaged infrastructure serving multiple apartments. Residents from several units required temporary accommodation following the incident.
Another fire broke out at the Amaan Udhares housing development in Hulhumalé Phase II on October 2, just days before the Ahaa forum. The fire occurred in a ground-floor area of one of the towers.
Malé has also experienced several major fires over the years, including the December 2024 blaze that destroyed buildings housing three government ministries on Ameenee Magu. Police recently concluded that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit and ruled out arson.
Rasheed said authorities have observed an increase in fire incidents and identified cramped living conditions and unsafe or disorganised electrical wiring as factors contributing to fire risks in the capital.
The government is also working on standards for gas regulators and discussing safer handling and storage practices with gas suppliers, while public awareness programmes on fire prevention are continuing.
With more high-rise residential developments emerging across the Greater Malé region, the planned drones, specialised trucks and additional water bowsers are intended to expand the range of options available to emergency responders when conventional firefighting equipment faces limitations.
