Police have finished their forensic investigation into the September house fire in Hamar that killed four young women. The fatal blaze occurred on September 8 during a social gathering.
The four victims were identified as Ida Bæk Nordland (19), Ester Moe Ljødal (19), Astrid Støe Valla (18) from Hamar, and Ariane Haga (18) from nearby Ringsaker. All four were close friends gathered for a social event when the fire broke out.
Investigators revealed they believe the fire started outdoors, though they may never determine the exact cause. Police stated there is no suspicion of criminal activity in the case.
The property was released back to owners on Tuesday. Authorities conducted numerous witness interviews and collected substantial digital evidence, including video footage from private individuals that helped reconstruct the events.
Hamar Mayor Vigdis Stensby described the profound grief affecting the community following the loss of four young residents. A memorial wall with four hearts was established in downtown Hamar where people could leave messages and flowers.
Fire crews faced one of their most challenging days during the rescue operation. The investigation continues as police await final forensic results, though they caution these may not provide definitive answers about the fire's origin.
This tragedy highlights the vulnerability of residential structures in Norway's smaller communities, where emergency response times can vary significantly despite generally high safety standards.