– It spread quickly – NRK Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
The fire crews in Hemsedal have worked all night to get control of the fire that started in an apartment building on Wednesday.
Shortly after midnight on Thursday night, they gained control of the violent fire. In the morning hours on Thursday, there is still a lot of smoke from both apartment complexes.
No people were injured, but there is talk of extensive damage and great values that have been lost. More than 100 people were evacuated.
Ladders were crucial
– It was a large fire that developed very quickly, says task leader from Hoel municipality, Atle Kleivdal.
The fire first broke out in a building that was under construction, before it spread to the neighboring building.
– There is a large building mass and a lot of air in a new building under construction. Then the fire takes off very quickly and spreads. When it first comes up in the roof constructions, then it spreads quickly ,. Due to the wind direction, it spread out into the building, says Kleivdal.
– The firefighters arrived quickly at the scene and have made a great effort. Two ladder cars have meant that we have had height preparedness, and it is absolutely crucial with such tall buildings, says Kleivdal.
The fire will now be investigated and the fire service will make fuses on site.
– We have used a lot of water, that is, and it must be ensured well where the crew will work, says the task leader.
Being taken care of
Many of the evacuees came straight from the ski slope and had all their belongings in apartments that they were not allowed to enter.
The municipality and the ski center do what they can to be on them, says mayor of Hemsedal, Pål Rørby.
Rørby says that the municipality has deployed crisis staff.
– Everyone has now got new apartments to stay in. We are opening a grocery store located in the ski center. Skistar also opens its ski shop for those who need clothes and other things. Everyone should be well taken care of, he says.
Stavkroa, one of the country’s most popular après ski resorts, is located very close to the buildings that burned. It has been foamed on ceilings and walls and was saved from the fire.