A resident suffered serious injuries from smoke inhalation during a Wednesday morning apartment fire in Hammerum, eastern Herning. The resident's dog reportedly woke them as flames spread through the building.
Fifteen people were evacuated from the multi-story residential building during the intense blaze. Emergency services responded to the alarm at 5:35 AM.
All evacuated residents received medical attention from ambulance crews. Police confirmed none were in life-threatening condition, but three people required hospital transport.
The fire incident commander stated the resident where the fire originated sustained serious injuries. Their dog's alertness potentially prevented worse outcomes.
Road closures remained in effect around the address until approximately 8:00 AM as investigations continued. Police have not yet determined the fire's cause but are conducting an on-site investigation.
Authorities urged the public to respect safety barriers around the affected area. This fire highlights how quickly residential blazes can escalate and the importance of early warning systems.
While Denmark generally maintains high fire safety standards, this incident shows how quickly emergencies can develop in multi-unit buildings. The dog's role in alerting its owner underscores how pets can provide crucial warnings during nighttime emergencies when smoke detectors might not be immediately noticed.