Emergency alert issued for toxic fire in Gjesdal industrial building

A toxic and hazardous smoke plume from an industrial fire in Gjesdal, Norway, has triggered an emergency alert, with authorities warning residents to avoid exposure, Dagbladet reports.

The alert, issued at 10:40 a.m. by Sør-Vest police district, confirmed the smoke was “not a test” and urged the public to close windows and shut off ventilation. Police stated the fire broke out just before 9 a.m. in a commercial building housing 140 employees, all of whom were evacuated.

Fire chief Ståle Fjellberg described the blaze as a “challenging roof fire” requiring resources from five stations. No injuries have been reported, but investigators are questioning witnesses after learning roof work was underway shortly before the fire began.

Thor Eirik Gilje, managing director of Gilje Tre—the woodworking factory in the affected building—called the situation “tough and critical” due to the lack of control over the flames. Nearby resident Lise Veen, who operates a salon 100 meters from the site, told Dagbladet she saw “black smoke, huge flames” and called the fire “tragic for the whole village,” noting Gilje Tre’s role as a cornerstone employer.

Authorities have not ordered further evacuations, as prevailing winds are carrying the toxic smoke away from populated areas.