Massive fire at Finnmark petrol station triggers evacuations

A large-scale fire at a petrol station in Øksfjord, northern Norway, has forced evacuations and prompted emergency alerts to residents, with reports of explosions at the site, Dagbladet reports.

The blaze broke out shortly after 2:30 PM local time at the station in Loppa municipality, Finnmark. Emergency services confirmed heavy smoke and high flames, initially establishing a 500-meter safety zone that was later extended to 1,000 meters. Police are coordinating evacuations and have issued emergency alerts to the local population.

“Explosions have been reported from the fire,” police stated in an update. Inger Elisabeth Tvedt, municipal director of Loppa, told Altaposten that a crisis team has been activated. “This is a full evacuation of the area. The explosion risk is enormous,” she said.

The petrol station is located in the town center, near residential buildings and care facilities. “The entire community is mobilizing—opening public halls and offices to support each other. It’s an insane evacuation effort,” Tvedt added.

Fire service duty officer Espen Johnsen described the fire as “huge,” with crews working at the scene. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs and seeing thick black smoke. Local resident Hilde Bye, who lives about two kilometers away, told Dagbladet she saw a massive smoke plume and evacuated before the official order.

The petrol station is adjacent to the town’s only grocery store, raising concerns both structures could be lost. A witness told Altaposten the building was fully engulfed, with “black smoke, high flames, and explosions.”

Authorities urge residents to stay clear and keep windows closed. The cause of the fire remains unknown.