Twelve checked after inhaling smoke during fire in apartment building in Oslo
Twelve people are being checked by health personnel after inhaling smoke during a fire in an apartment building in Oslo, which authorities suspect was set deliberately.
A fire incident occurred on Saturday night in an apartment building on Rødtvet in Oslo, leading to twelve individuals being checked by health personnel for smoke inhalation. Initial reports indicated the presence of smoke in the building's fifth-floor stairwell, prompting immediate action from police and firefighters. Several residents self-evacuated as firefighting crews entered the building with breathing apparatuses to manage the situation. Fire Chief Per-Ivar Iversen confirmed that the fire originated in a common area, halting further evacuations.
As the situation unfolded, the authorities deemed the fire suspicious, with indications that it was deliberately set, specifically related to a pram located in the shared area of the stairwell. Firefighters carried out thorough checks on all apartments in the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors to ensure residents were safe and to assess smoke levels in the affected areas. Iversen also noted that while the fire was extinguished, significant smoke residue remained, presenting continued risks for residents in adjoining units.
This incident raises concerns about safety in residential buildings in Oslo, particularly regarding acts of arson that could threaten lives and property. As investigations continue, a deeper examination into fire safety protocols and community awareness initiatives may be prompted to prevent similar incidents in the future. The police's determination to classify this as a deliberate act highlights the need for vigilant community responses to fire safety and criminal activities within residential areas.