Norway: Emergency crews responding to fire in Singsas, Midtre Gauldal Municipality, as of early Feb. 19

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a structure fire in Singsas, Midtre Gauldal Municipality, as of early Feb. 19. Officials did not immediately report the cause of the blaze. Authorities have established a security line around a 1-km (0.6-mile) radius of the fire and are evacuating local residents due to the presence of acetylene gas in the burning building and the consequent risk of an explosion. Officials have also closed nearby County Road 30 to traffic.

A heightened security presence and lingering disruptions to transport and business are likely in the affected area until the firefighting operation concludes. Smoke from the fire may temporarily worsen local air quality. Additional evacuations of area buildings are possible. Residual disruptions cannot be ruled out after crews extinguish the fire as investigative work and recovery operations continue.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Allow additional time to reach destinations in Midtre Gauldal Municipality through at least early Feb. 19. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.