The decision to keep the landing gear down was due to a specific MEL procedure related to the aircraft's fire detection system. According to MEL 26-17-01, if the wheel well fire detection system is inoperative, the landing gear must remain extended for 10 minutes after take-off to mitigate fire risks by allowing the brakes to cool adequately before retraction. https://aviation.jobsreach.net/trends/share/68129f0608a4752aa794d32c