MNDF: Coastline Hardware fire a result of an electric short

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Unit – which investigated the fire that burned down Coastline Hardware two months ago – has said that the fire was a result of an electric short.

A senior official of Fire and Rescue Unit spoke to “Sun” on Wednesday and said that from what they observed through their study of the scene of the fire, the fire took place because of an electrical short.

“We think it was a result of an electrical issue,” said the official.

He said that the unit had completed their investigation and handed over the report to police.

Firefighters battled the fire for three hours before it was brought under control. By the time, the whole building had burned to a crisp.

Coastline Hardware burned to a crisp. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwaan

Coastline Hardware fire was the largest fire to take place in Male’ in recent history, spreading to three nearby buildings and leaving people homeless.

Those left homeless are being providing temporary housing by the state.

Coastline Hardware was covered by insurance when it burned down.

The company Coastline Hardware belongs to – Coastline Investments – provided a donation of MVR 1 million to the houses damaged in the fire.