A fire broke out at Slåtthaug Upper Secondary School in Bergen on Friday afternoon. Emergency services responded to reports of visible flames and black smoke coming from the building.
Operations leader Dan Inge Gjesdal confirmed the fire department gained control of the blaze by 1:40 PM local time. Firefighters extinguished the flames approximately fifteen minutes later.
Smoke spread through large sections of the building, requiring extensive ventilation efforts. Gjesdal noted this process would take considerable time.
Several students received medical attention for minor smoke exposure. Officials confirmed no serious injuries occurred, but the fire caused substantial property damage.
Police operations leader Eirik Loftesnes stated authorities are investigating the incident. Officers will conduct on-site examinations to determine the fire's cause.
The fire reportedly started in a first-floor toilet within the main building. Smoke divers had to enter the structure to locate the exact source.
Incident commander Hans Petter Nilsen described initial concerns about multiple fire locations when they arrived. Smoke emerged from several doors throughout the building.
Evidence currently points to a garbage can as the fire's origin point. Police have not ruled out either accidental or intentional causes.
Smoke divers removed sections of the toilet ceiling to verify the fire hadn't spread. Police inspector Casper Kaland praised the school's rapid evacuation response.
Students evacuated quickly and efficiently according to Kaland. The school performed exceptionally well during the emergency.
No students suffered smoke-related injuries according to officials. One department head received medical assessment but appeared to be in good condition.
School principal Magnhild Hakestad witnessed the incident from her office window. She observed massive smoke development from the B-building section while people were already evacuating.
Fire services arrived on scene shortly after the evacuation. The principal noted smoke levels had decreased significantly by 1:30 PM.
Police have opened a formal case and continue investigating the fire's cause. Inspector Kaland confirmed efforts to identify potential responsible individuals.
The incident highlights the importance of functional school safety protocols, particularly given the rapid smoke spread through the building.