A significant heather fire broke out on Ellelifjellet in Bjerkreim on Thursday evening, prompting numerous emergency calls to the fire department. As reported, the fire department has already established control over the burn area and confirmed there is no risk of the fire spreading to nearby structures. While the blaze is visible from the E39 highway, local authorities and the fire department are assuring the public that they are managing the situation effectively.

In response to the influx of calls from concerned motorists, who have reported the fire after noticing it while traveling, the police in Sørvest have issued a statement reiterating that there is no need to report the incident unless there is a clear emergency. The fire department is currently focused on managing the fire and preserving resources for potential emergencies that require immediate attention.

This incident highlights the challenges emergency services face in managing public perception and communication during a fire crisis. The surge in calls reflects a greater public awareness and concern about wildfires, especially given recent dry and windy conditions that contribute to fire hazards. Authorities are urging the public to trust the emergency services and refrain from unnecessary calls that could detract from handling actual emergencies.