HULHUMAL´E, MALDIVES – A fire broke out in one of the Hiya Flats in Hulhumalé last night. It has been reported that the fire originated from the an apartment in the H7 tower of the residential area.
Although the fire was extinguished shortly after it broke out, it is unclear how much damage was sustained by the apartment and other surrounding apartments.
This is the second time a fire broke out in the Hiya flats this month, the first being just a week ago. Urbanco, formerly Housing Development Corporation, which manages these flats, revealed that their investigation concluded that both fires were caused by unextinguished cigarette filters.
Following this annuncement, Urbanco added that such acts are unacceptable and highlighted that smoking and vaping within the premises of these flats are against the agreements made with the owners of these flats.
Warning that such breaches will have repercussions, Urbanco said that based on the type and repetition of these breaches, the corporation has the authority to impose a fine between MVR 1,000 and MVR 100,000. The company also highlighted that it has the authority to take back flats from such owners.
Urbanco further said that it would always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the general population rather than the interest of a single individual.
