Police have arrested a man in his twenties for suspected arson following a major fire in Fredrikstad. The blaze erupted in a municipal housing complex Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services responded to reports of flames shooting through the roof around 4 PM. Authorities quickly evacuated nearby buildings as the fire spread.
"A person has inhaled some smoke," said police operations manager Joachim Myklebust. "All emergency agencies were dispatched to the scene."
The fire department gained control of the blaze rapidly, but one housing unit suffered complete destruction. The damaged building is part of Fredrikstad's municipal housing stock.
Police confirmed the suspect has connections to the address where the fire started. Officers apprehended him near the fire scene shortly after the blaze began.
The arrested man required medical attention for smoke inhalation before being transported to custody. He was previously known to police authorities.
"The fire will be investigated, and we are interviewing people who were at the location," Myklebust stated.
The incident occurred in Sellebakk, a residential area situated along the Glomma River in southeastern Norway. Multiple residents reported seeing the intense flames.
Authorities confirmed no risk of fire spreading to adjacent structures existed, but evacuation measures were implemented as a precaution. The investigation continues as officials work to determine the fire's exact cause.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges with property crimes in Norwegian communities, even in typically quiet residential areas like Fredrikstad.