Police warn onlookers as barn fire spreads in Hokksund

Police in southeastern Norway have urged residents to stay indoors after a barn fire spread to nearby structures in Hokksund on Wednesday evening, Dagbladet reports.

The blaze, which broke out in an old barn, has since extended to a garage and a hedge, according to authorities. Heavy smoke in the area poses a risk of further spread to nearby homes.

“Police request that residents close doors and windows,” operations manager Tom Richard Skuggedal of the Southeast Police District stated at 18:13 local time. Firefighters are actively working to contain the fire, with updates confirming the barn will likely burn down completely.

By 18:38, police reported that crowds had gathered near the scene, prompting renewed warnings for nearby residents to remain indoors, turn off ventilation, and keep windows and doors shut. As of 18:42, firefighters had gained control, though smoke persisted in the area.

“Most of the flames have been extinguished, but there is still a lot of smoke,” police confirmed in their latest update.