The wind-borne fire quickly spread fanning the flames towards the town center, and by 4 a.m over thirty houses were reported to be in flames. The fire then spread to a nearby forest, threatening the heritage area. The town was evacuated 30 minutes after midnight, with residents being evacuated to a hotel in Aurland, Norway.
More then 100 firefighters, from eight to ten neighboring fire departments were involved in putting out the fire. Firefighters and equipment from Haukåsen airport in Sogndal were called out to assist in putting out the fire.The fire in Laerdalsoyri was aided by strong winds, and burned through homes that were built of wood in the 18th and 19th centuries. It wasn't clear what caused the fire, but when it was over, at least 177 people were treated in nearby hospitals for fire-related injuries.
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When winter cold causes temperatures to drop, heat sources become very important in the long winter nights. Structures of wood arranged in close proximity to one another become a danger zone. Fires spread rapidly with winter winds carrying burning ash to the neighboring buildings. Norway has experienced several disastrous fires. Historic stav churches made of wood have been tragic examples.
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The Grue Church Fire happened in Grue, Norway in the Southeastern Hedmark county of Norway. A typical Stavkirk |
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.Another historically disastrous fire occurred in Alesund, Norway on January 23, 1904. This fire destroyed 850 homes, leaving 10,000 people homeless while destroying most of the city. That fire was reported to be caused by a cow that kicked over a torch.
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homes that were built of wood in the 18th and 19th centuries. Police cordoned off an area in Lærdalsøyri because of the fear of explosions of nearby gas cylinders belonging to a construction company. It wasn't clear what caused the fire, but at least 90 people were treated in nearby hospitals for fire-related injuries
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Lærdal is on the UNESCO world heritage list. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom. Buildings constructed in the 18th century are being preserved and protected. Dolyce Johnson, one of our Vennskap members was concerned due to her family connection to the famous village. Dolyce stated:“A story mentioned damage
Typical Norse colors |
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Smouldering remains |
The village Telecom center has been completely destroyed, however, an emergency mobile service has been established. Electricity is also back on in sections of the township, but schools and kindergartens remained closed Monday.
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As residents struggle to rebuild, and winter life resumes, tourists will continue to visit the historic village.The Old Lærdalsøyri village has 161 protected buildings. The famous Filefjell Kongevegen road passes through Lærdal on its way to Valdres and later extended to Oslo.The Lærdalstunnelen was built through the
The Lærdal River |
The River Lærdalselvi was traditionally one of the most exclusive
salmon and sea trout rivers in Norway. Known by the Norwegian King Harald V as “his second Queen”, the river has established Lærdal as one of the meccas of salmon and sea trout fly fishing.
Meanwhile, the cleanup continues.