Norway’s latest fire drama broke out during the night in a residential apartment building located close to the airport in the far northern city of Hammerfest. Since fire-fighting crews from the airport were sent to help battle the blaze, the airport was forced to close.
Police said the fire demanded a large contingent of firefighters to keep it from spreading. Residents were evacuated, also from neighbouring homes, but no one was believed injured or missing in the blaze, which resulted in the roof of the building collapsing.
Crews from Hammerfest airport joined in the effort, meaning that no flights were allowed to land or take off during their absence. Airline Widerøe, which serves Hammerfest, reported that passengers would be taken by bus to other airports in Lakselv and Alta.
The fire was eventually brought under control, though, and firefighters were returning to their posts Friday morning, indicating that the airport would be allowed to reopen.
Meanwhile, in southern Norway, emergency crews were battling another blaze that began in a propane tank at the Raufoss Business Park in Oppland County. NRK reported that around 100 persons had to be evacuated, but the fire was quickly brought under control.
newsinenglish.no staff
