A major fire broke out at a commercial building in Porsgrunn at 3:15 a.m. on Friday, prompting the evacuation of 11 people and the establishment of a 300-meter safety radius due to explosion hazards from acetylene and gas cylinders. Sørøst politidistrikt confirmed the building was fully engulfed, while emergency crews worked to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby structures.
Police Establish Safety Zone and Evacuate Residents Near Burning Warehouse
Police established a 300-meter safety zone around the burning warehouse facility located west of Porsgrunn center. According to operations leader Tom Richard Skuggedal, authorities evacuated a total of 11 people from the immediate area. At 6:23 a.m., it was confirmed that a total of eleven people had been evacuated from six homes. Residents within the danger radius received SMS alerts instructing them to stay indoors or evacuate using alternative routes. Drangedalsvegen, the main road passing the site, was closed in both directions.
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Local resident Jan Bergman, who lives near the burning building and was evacuated from his home, reported hearing crackling and popping sounds that he initially mistook for someone breaking windows. Bergman noted that the evacuation proceeded calmly and stated that officials instructed them to gather their things, take their pets, and drive away.
Ongoing Firefighting Operations in Porsgrunn
Emergency crews faced significant challenges due to the presence of pressurized gas canisters stored both inside and outside the industrial property. Grenland fire and rescue services deployed personnel and equipment to the scene, including a fire boat stationed in the river to monitor a nearby barge and pier. Operations leader Per Eftang stated that the structure was expected to burn down completely before crews could safely comb the area for remaining gas cylinders. Whole Grenland fire and rescue worked at the site, and police operations leader Iver Vestre noted that multiple buildings had caught fire, alongside a barge out in the river. Crews experienced that they had reasonable control over the fire shortly after 6:00 a.m., with police reporting no personal injuries so far.
Spread to Nearby Structures and Municipal Response
The blaze extended beyond the primary warehouse facility. Authorities confirmed that the fire spread to a nearby pier and a barge located on the water. Porsgrunn municipality activated its crisis management team shortly after 4:00 a.m. to coordinate emergency communications and public safety measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the fire start?
Sørøst politidistrikt received the initial report of the fire at 3:15 a.m. on Friday.
How many people were evacuated?
Police confirmed that a total of 11 individuals were evacuated from nearby addresses.
Are there any reported injuries?
No injuries had been reported in connection with the fire as of Friday morning.