Five Rescued as House Destroyed in Lier Fire

A detached house at Østre Kjennervei on Lierskogen was completely destroyed in a fire, leaving the building uninhabitable and complicating firefighting efforts due to solar panels installed on the roof, according to emergency services.

Emergency Response and Firefighting Operations at Lierskogen

Emergency services received the initial report of a fully engulfed house fire shortly before 07:30, according to operational leader Eskil Hagen Olsen. Fire crews from both Drammen and Asker were dispatched to the scene on Østre Kjennervei. Fire operations incident commander Calle Varfjell stated that the primary focus was life-saving efforts to confirm no individuals remained inside the burning structure before transitioning to stopping the spread.

By 09:00, smoke was still visible rising from the roof while firefighters engaged in active suppression work. Watch manager Harald Kleppo at the Sørøst 110-sentral reported just before 09:30 that crews had transitioned to overhaul work due to residual heat. Kleppo noted that solar panels on the roof complicated the extinguishing process. The spreading risk was officially called off around 08:00, and a salvage truck from Kongsberg was dispatched to assess what could be saved from the property.

Resident Evacuations and Injuries

Police incident commander Geir Bodahl confirmed that a total of nine people are registered as residents at the address across two families. At the time of the fire, one family was traveling, while the other family self-evacuated. All occupants were accounted for and safely out of the building. Smoke divers searched the entire house to confirm it was empty.

One person sustained injuries after inhaling smoke and received follow-up care from medical personnel, according to Bodahl. Early in the incident, neighboring houses were evacuated due to heavy smoke. Operational leader Olsen advised individuals in the area to stay clear of the smoke and keep doors, windows, and ventilation closed.

Housing Impact and Investigation

The single-family home sustained extensive structural damage and is considered a total loss. According to police incident commander Geir Bodahl, the damage is so severe that the house is completely uninhabitable. The affected family is receiving assistance from the municipality regarding temporary housing and future support.

The exact cause of the fire remains unavklart, according to police statements given at the scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the fire on Lierskogen?

The cause of the fire is currently unverified and remains under investigation by the police, according to incident commander Geir Bodahl.

Were there any injuries reported?

One person suffered minor injuries after inhaling smoke and was treated by healthcare personnel. All other residents were accounted for uninjured.

Can the residents return to the house?

No. Police stated that the enebolig sustained such extensive damage that it is uninhabitable. The municipality is assisting the displaced family with alternative housing.