Emergency crews responding to a raging fire in the historic center of Kragerø on Norway’s southern coast were getting lots of praise after they managed to keep the blaze from spreading. They claim they were simply “lucky.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire was underway after it claimed three of the town’s wooden buildings. Fire-fighters were able to control the fire and thus save all the other historic buildings in the town where artists including Edvard Munch have painted and Norwegians have spent summer holidays for generations.
Kragerø Mayor Grunde Wegar Knudsen was hailing the emergency response that also included police, health care, the Red Cross, Norwegian People’s Aid and the Salvation Army. The entire downtown area had to be evacuated late Saturay night and many residents feared losing their homes and businesses.
All of the three buildings that were destroyed housed businesses, and plans were already underway to rebuild in accordance with state preservation authorities.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
