The fire started in a bathroom in an apartment on the third floor of the block of flats, says operations manager Gabriel Langfeldt in the police log. The fire spread further to the roof structure and the walls inside the bathroom.
In addition, a water pipe burst in connection with the incident, which caused a water leak.
– So far we are talking about three apartments that will become uninhabitable due to the water leak from the apartment where the fire broke out, writes the Oslo police district.
The 110 central office in Oslo confirms that there are three apartments that have been completely damaged. About an hour after the police first reported the fire, the fire control center confirms that it has been extinguished.
Driver post-shutdown
– We are now in the post-extinguishing phase, where we work, among other things, to salvage valuables and to limit secondary damage as a result of water, writes the 110 center on X.
The block of flats in question dates from 1890, which means that there are many cavities in the building. This made it more complex for the fire service to gain control of where the fire actually was.
The fire brigade remains on the scene for quite some time, even if the fire is extinguished, to make sure that it does not spread to other places.
No one seriously injured
All the residents of the apartment building were evacuated as a result of the fire.
A total of three people were considered to be slightly injured, according to the police, and these were examined by the ambulance at the scene. The police are opening a case.
In connection with the efforts of the emergency services, the intersection of Erling Skjalgssons gate and Elisenbergveien was closed.
#apartments #uninhabitable #fire #apartment #building #Frogner #Oslo
What were the immediate challenges faced during the firefighting response at the Erling Skjalgssons gate apartment building?
**Interview with Gabriel Langfeldt, Operations Manager at Oslo Police District**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Gabriel. Can you walk us through what happened in the apartment building on Erling Skjalgssons gate?
**Gabriel Langfeldt:** Certainly. The fire originated in a bathroom on the third floor of the building. Unfortunately, it spread to the roof structure and adjacent walls before our team could fully contain it. In addition to the fire, a water pipe burst during the incident, which compounded the damage.
**Interviewer:** That sounds serious. How many apartments have been affected?
**Gabriel Langfeldt:** As it stands, three apartments will be rendered uninhabitable due to the extensive water damage from the leak. The initial assessments confirmed that those apartments were completely compromised by both fire and water.
**Interviewer:** What steps are being taken to mitigate further damage?
**Gabriel Langfeldt:** We’re currently in the post-extinguishing phase, focusing on salvaging valuables from the affected areas. We’re also working to limit any secondary damage caused by the water.
**Interviewer:** I understand the building dates back to 1890, which can complicate fire responses. Can you elaborate on that?
**Gabriel Langfeldt:** Yes, the age of the building presented challenges because it has numerous cavities, making it difficult for firefighters to ascertain the exact location and extent of the fire quickly. That’s why we’ve maintained a presence on the scene even after extinguishing the flames—to ensure no residual fire reignites.
**Interviewer:** Thankfully, there were no serious injuries reported. What is the status of the residents now?
**Gabriel Langfeldt:** All residents were evacuated safely, and while three individuals were treated for minor injuries, they did not require further medical attention. We appreciate the swift response of emergency services in such situations.
**Interviewer:** Given this incident and potential vulnerabilities in older buildings, do you think there should be stricter regulations for fire safety in such structures? What’s your take on improving the safety of older residential buildings?
**Gabriel Langfeldt:** That’s an important question, and I believe it’s worth a broader discussion. The regulations regarding fire safety for older buildings are already in place, but perhaps there is a need for more comprehensive evaluations and updates based on modern safety standards. Engaging the community in this discussion could also bring valuable insights.
**Interviewer:** It certainly raises an important point that could spark a lively debate among residents and city planners alike. Thank you for your time, Gabriel.
**Gabriel Langfeldt:** Thank you for having me.
