Apartment Fire Spreads to Roof in Borlänge, Residents Evacuated
A serious apartment fire spread to the attic of a Borlänge residential building, forcing evacuations and triggering public health warnings. Firefighters are using controlled burning tactics while residents remain safely relocated.
Reporter on scene at the apartment building fire
A major fire broke out in a multi-family building in Borlänge, Sweden on Wednesday morning. Thick black smoke spread across the city, prompting a public safety warning.
The alarm came to 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.
"The apartment fire was quickly extinguished, but the attic was difficult to access," said Niklas Hammarlund, emergency response commander. "The attic is a separate fire compartment, so we're letting it burn out - that's our standard tactic for this type of fire."
All residents were safely evacuated and relocated to nearby facilities. The area remains cordoned off to assist emergency crews. Work is expected to continue until around lunchtime.
Authorities issued a public warning (VMA) urging residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed. "There's intense smoke development from burning insulation," Hammarlund explained. "Black, acrid smoke is moving toward central Borlänge and the Kupolen shopping area.
No injuries have been reported. Police are maintaining barriers around the scene. "Obviously this attracts attention, but people must respect the cordoned areas," said police spokesperson Anders Dahlman.
The fire highlights challenges in containing blazes that spread through building voids. Letting controlled burning occur in contained spaces remains a standard firefighting approach when direct access proves impossible.