Devastating fire strikes Alsaker Fjordbruk offices on Norway’s west coast.
A major fire on Saturday afternoon has destroyed five buildings owned by Norwegian salmon farming group Alsaker Fjordbruk, one of the country’s largest aquaculture companies.
Emergency services responded with significant resources around 14:00 after reports of heavy black smoke and flames in the roof structure of the buildings, according to local reports. Police initially described the fire as “large and difficult to manage,” and residents in the area were advised to stay clear and keep windows closed.
“It’s Armageddon,” said Kjetil Merchant Sunde, a nearby cabin owner who witnessed the blaze. “Flames were reaching up to the roof. We can only hope they manage to save some of the buildings.”
By 17:00, the fire was brought under control. In addition to the five buildings destroyed, two others suffered extensive water damage. A police investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, though no conclusion has been reached at this time.
There were no injuries reported. All individuals present were safely evacuated, according to the fire service.
The buildings are reported to include recently completed office facilities belonging to Alsaker Fjordbruk. The company has not issued a formal statement but confirmed via SMS to Norwegian media that firefighting operations were ongoing from both land and sea.
Alsaker Fjordbruk is owned by Gerhard Meidell Alsaker, who is listed as the wealthiest individual in Vestland county, with an estimated fortune of NOK 10 billion ($950 million / €880 million), according to Aftenposten.
