– We have found a possible cause. There was an abandoned single-use grill in the area where we think the fire started, says fire chief Rigman Pents in Indre Østfold fire and rescue. For the past two days, large crews have been fighting the forest fire in Trømborgfjella in Indre Østfold municipality. The fire started on Tuesday afternoon. On Thursday, the flames are still ravaging the terrain. The fire service has now notified the police after finding the disposable barbecue which they believe may have started the forest fire. – When it’s so dry outside and someone uses a disposable grill, and just leaves it, it’s very irresponsible in my opinion, says Pents. The fire service suspects that the fire started in this area. The entrance grill is in the bushes. Photo: Indre Østfold fire and rescue I think the fire will last a long time. It is still burning in an area of 1,200 by 800 metres. The fire service has received assistance from the Civil Defence, the Red Cross and two helicopters in the loop work. Work is still being done to limit the risk of spreading. During the night to Thursday, 40 people worked to extinguish the fire. – There is an incredible amount of work. We have had over 30 people on duty for two days, and there will be at least another two days, says Pents. The fire service and the Civil Defense are working on Thursday to get the fire under control in Indre Østfold. Photo: INDRE ØSTFOLD FIRE AND RESCUE It was Smaalenenes Avis that reported the case first. The police are asking for information The police in Indre Østfold inform news that a report has not yet been made, but that it will be done on an ongoing basis. – We need to see if we have any clues or information about who it is that may have been in the forest with the disposable grill. It could be carelessness, says police department head Kay Lund-Pettersen. – We hope that those concerned will contact us. A large area is burning in Trømborgfjella on the border between Rakkestad and Indre Østfold municipality. This is how it looked on Tuesday night. He also asks people who were in the area on Tuesday to contact the police. – The forest fire has caused major damage, so it is a big warning that people must be careful, says Lund-Pettersen. Several million kroner The fire service estimates that the fire has cost several million kroner. Now the fire chief is reminding us of the bonfire ban and the importance of not using open flames. – It is so dry in the terrain. It is difficult to get the water into the ground and it quickly flares up again if there is a gneiss, says Pents. A forest fire helicopter helped with extinguishing work on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, the helicopter was sent to other forest fires in southern Norway. The fire service and the Civil Defense have worked through the night to get the flames under control. Photo: Indre Østfold fire and rescue On Thursday morning, the fire service demarcated the area that was on fire. But they still fear that the wind could spread the fire. The fire chief calls the extinguishing work very demanding. – The helicopters are very good at putting down flames and the fire, but in the phase we are in now, hard work on the ground is required. We go with shovels and wash down many times to prevent the fire from flaring up again, says Pents.
ttn-69
Entrance grill probably led to the forest fire in Indre Østfold – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
