Fire Engulfs Gas Station in Øksfjord, Norway, Triggering Full Evacuation
(iFinnmark/Nettavisen): A major fire has broken out at a gas station in Øksfjord, Loppa Municipality, Finnmark county, Norway, prompting a full evacuation of the village. Emergency services are currently on the scene battling the blaze.
According to reports from the police at 2:37 PM local time, there is significant smoke and high flames. A safety perimeter of 500 meters was initially established, and residents were urged to maintain distance and keep windows closed. This safety distance was later reduced to 300 meters as control of the fire improved.
Full Evacuation Underway
Mayor Cato Kristiansen of Loppa confirmed to NRK that a full evacuation of the village is in progress. The municipality has also established a crisis team to manage the situation. Approximately 500 people reside in Øksfjord, which serves as the administrative center of Loppa.
Municipal director Inger Elisabeth Tvedt told Altaposten that the risk of an explosion is “enormous.”
Fire Origin and Emergency Response
Workshop owner Harald Olafson at Øksfjord Bilservice reported that the fire originated when a spark ignited gasoline spilled during vehicle maintenance.
Emergency services are receiving assistance from neighboring communities, including Kvænangen. Rescue boat Gjert Wilhelmsen has also been dispatched to assist. The police have requested that no unauthorized drones be flown in the area, as their drone is currently assessing the situation.
Transportation Hub Disrupted
Øksfjord is a key transportation hub in Loppa Municipality, with regular car ferry connections to Nuvsvåg, Bergsfjord, and Sør-Tverrfjord. The fire is likely to disrupt these services. The Hurtigruten coastal ferry also makes daily stops in Øksfjord, between Skjervøy, and Hammerfest. (Wikipedia)
Loppa Municipality is largely inaccessible by car, making Øksfjord a vital link to the mainland. (The Hidden North)
Local Police Presence
The local police presence in Øksfjord includes Loppa politistasjon, located at Kirkeveien 4, 9550 Øksfjord. Additional support is available from Alta Police Station and Skjervøy lensmannskontor. (Cybo)