A municipal housing unit burned completely in Fredrikstad on Sunday afternoon. Fire crews responded to the blaze in the Sellebakk area around 4 PM. Authorities quickly contained the fire and prevented it from spreading further.
Police arrested one man at the scene for alleged arson. The suspect is in his twenties and was taken into custody. He also inhaled some smoke during the incident. Medical personnel examined him at the location.
Operational manager Melissa Krag confirmed the arrest in a police statement. She said the man now faces charges for setting the fire.
Municipal housing in Norway provides subsidized accommodation for those in need. These properties are owned by local governments. The complete destruction of this unit represents a loss of affordable housing in the community.
Why would someone set fire to public housing? This incident reduces already limited affordable options for vulnerable residents. The damage comes at a real cost to both the municipality and those depending on such housing.