Fire destroys two Kongsberg restaurants

Two restaurants in Kongsberg, Big Horn Steak House and Peppes Pizza, were destroyed by fire on Wednesday evening, Dagbladet reports.

The blaze began with a small explosion near propane gas cylinders, quickly engulfing the building. Firefighters established a 300-meter safety zone as multiple gas cylinder explosions were heard. No injuries were reported.

Witnesses Henrik Olsen Folsrås, 25, and Rine Kleppen Bergseth, 25, were dining on the terrace just meters from the gas cylinders when they noticed flames and leaking gas. They fled as the fire rapidly intensified, with thick smoke followed by full ignition. “We saw the whole place in flames from the car. A few minutes later, there were more explosions. We felt the pressure wave even at a distance,” Bergseth said.

Attempts by staff to extinguish the fire failed as the situation escalated. All guests evacuated safely, though personal belongings, including a Prada sunglasses and a handbag, were lost in the fire.

Børre Nilsen, general manager of both restaurants, confirmed 25 employees lost their jobs. “Many lost their workplace yesterday. We also have many regulars who have lost their favorite spot. The support we received last night was very moving,” he said. Rebuilding is the priority, though alternative locations have not yet been considered.

Nilsen described the past hours as surreal: “It was of course a shock. It’s still hard to grasp.”