Apartment Fire Spreads to Roof in Borlänge, Sweden
A serious apartment fire in Borlänge, Sweden has spread to the building's attic, forcing mass evacuations. Emergency services are allowing the attic to burn out while warning residents about dangerous smoke conditions. No injuries have been reported.
Reporter on scene at apartment building fire
A major fire broke out in a multi-family apartment building in Borlänge, Sweden on Wednesday morning. Thick black smoke spread across the city, prompting emergency alerts to residents.
The alarm reached emergency services just before 6:00 AM. The fire started in one apartment and was fully developed when firefighters arrived. Flames spread through ventilation systems to the attic space.
"The apartment fire was quickly extinguished, but the attic was difficult to access," said Niklas Hammarlund, emergency command officer. "The attic acts as its own fire compartment, so we're allowing it to burn out - that's our standard procedure for this type of fire."
All residents were safely evacuated before the fire reached its peak. They have been temporarily housed in nearby facilities. Firefighters expect to have the situation under control by lunchtime.
Authorities issued a public warning (VMA) urging people in the area to stay indoors with windows and doors closed. The warning specifically mentioned central Borlänge and the Kupolen shopping area.
"There's intense smoke development from burning insulation," Hammarlund explained. "This creates thick, acrid smoke moving toward populated areas."
No injuries have been reported. Police have established security perimeters around the burning building in the Tjärna Ängar district.
"Naturally, this type of incident attracts spectators," said police spokesperson Anders Dahlman. "But it's crucial that people respect the safety barriers so emergency crews can work undisturbed."
The response appears well-coordinated, though the decision to let the attic burn raises questions about building safety standards. This marks another test for Swedish emergency services during a year that has seen several major fires.