There is a fire in a wooded area in the center of Ålesund. The police signal an inspection and that the evacuated residents can go home.
Police first reported the fire at 11:06pm. At around 00:30, operations manager Eivind Klokkersund tells VG that the fire is under control.
– The fire has subsided significantly now. What is burning is the far west and where there are fewer buildings. On the eastern side near the houses there are few fires, says director of operations Eivind Klokkersund of the Møre and Romsdal police district.
Ten homes were evacuated, but were allowed to return after about an hour.
The fire is said to have started at Olsfjellet in Skarbøvika in central Ålesund, about 70 meters from the nearest settlement.
– Firefighters are in control of the fire. There is an alternating wind, but not very strong, says Klokkersund.
According to Klokkersund, witnesses observed that fireworks were set off in the area earlier in the day. Police are therefore investigating whether this may have contributed to the fire, writes NTB.
– It’s one of many hypotheses, so for now we don’t know the cause of the fire, he says.
Was told to evacuate
Resident Chris-Rune Valderhaug Pickard was visiting the cabin when he was told the family home needed to be evacuated.
– It’s a bit of both, I’d like to be there and be in control, says Pickard.
Neighbors and others have been in contact with him this evening.
– Sounds scary, but the wind is on our side, says Pickard to VG about midnight.
It burned over a relatively large area when it was at its worst. Police used drones to get an overview and follow how the fire developed.
Police are urging neighbors in the immediate area to keep their doors and windows closed. They also encourage you to turn off ventilation systems that you don’t need to wear.
Fire control in Trøndelag
The heather fire further north at Roan on the Trøndelag coast is currently under control. It can still tack if the wind picks up or changes direction. Residents of 30 homes were evacuated in Roan.
Nordland Police have now warned against the use of open fires, prolonged drought and high winds make bushfire risk great.
