The garage that caught fire on Wednesday night was being operated without permit, Male' City Council has stated.

City Council's Media Executive Mariyam Shiuna told 'One' that their system does not show a permit for the garage operation.

"Our system does not show a permit for the garage. We are checking further with the department head on the permit," Shiuna said.

When asked whether City Council was aware the garage was being operated without a permit, Shiuna said that that the information cannot be provided as it was after work hours.

'One' has come to know that the garage owners had applied for permits for the garage, but the permits were on hold as the garage is surrounded by residential buildings.

Ten people died in the garage fire on Wednesday night.

The garage had chemicals used for car painting, and had two cars in the garage for servicing. The garage also had carpentry and welding equipment.

There were accommodation blocks on the two storeys above the garage. The fatalities in the fire were residents living there.