Fire crews responded to a chimney fire in Kvam at 11:38 AM. The emergency dispatch center confirmed they were sending units to the scene.
A fire service supervisor described the situation. "This is a brick chimney, so there is some danger," the official said in a statement. "There is mortar between the bricks that doesn't handle heat exposure as well. This creates higher risk of fire spreading compared to a steel pipe."
By 11:56 AM, the first fire truck arrived and began extinguishing operations. All residents safely evacuated the house before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters on scene observed flames coming from the chimney and smoke in the attic space. Brick chimneys require regular maintenance in Nordic countries where wood burning is common during cold months. This incident shows how quickly standard heating systems can become dangerous without proper care.
Homeowners in Norway should have chimneys inspected annually before the heating season begins. Many local fire departments offer free safety checks for residents.
What causes chimney fires? Creosote buildup from wood burning ignites inside the chimney flue. The substance accumulates over time and can reach extremely high temperatures.
Are chimney fires common in Norway? Yes, they occur frequently during winter months when wood stoves and fireplaces see heavy use across the country.