A major fire broke out on Thursday evening at the Braviken Paper Mill located in Norrköping, Sweden, causing significant alarm and requiring extensive firefighting efforts. The fire quickly escalated, impacting three floors of the facility, prompting immediate emergency response measures.
According to local reports, fire crews received the alert shortly before 8 PM, and over the next few hours, up to eleven units of firefighters were deployed to manage the rapidly spreading flames. Christian Lind, representative from the fire service, stated, "It is 10-15 people who have inhaled smoke, and four have been taken by ambulance to the hospital."
At the scene, approximately 20 firefighters engaged with the fire, working hard to control its spread. The source of the fire is believed to stem from hydraulic oil leaking and igniting within one of the mill's boiler rooms. Lind confirmed, "The fire has spread, and we are currently investigating the roof structure and searching for embers."
Firefighters faced challenges, as the blaze not only engulfed parts of the structure, it also spread to the roofing area. The response team utilized aerial platforms to combat the flames from above, every moment being painstakingly calculated to prevent the situation from worsening. Lind mentioned, "Other buildings at the paper mill are numerous, and it remains unclear whether the affected building can be salvaged."
Reports indicate varied severity among those affected by smoke inhalation. Five individuals were treated at the scene, and four were taken to local hospitals. While three of these individuals suffered lighter injuries, one male was placed under intensive care due to the seriousness of his condition. Therese Rahm, communications manager at the mill, shared, "There are some who inhaled smoke who have been under observation, and things have looked good. The four who traveled to the hospital had slightly lower oxygen levels than normal, but they were in good spirits when they left."
By approximately 9:40 PM, the fire service had reported successfully extinguishing the flames, which provided considerable relief to both the firefighters and local residents concerned about potential hazards posed by smoke. Rahm stated, "The fire is extinguished, and the temperature is dropping," indicating hope for stabilization.
Following the incident, authorities announced there would be an investigation underway, focused on classifying the fire as suspected workplace accident and examining the potential for negligence leading to bodily harm. "We are investigating the incident closely," stated Lind. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with industrial operations, particularly those involving flammable materials.
Throughout the night, Lind reported no immediate danger to the general public, emphasizing the prevailing winds favorably carried smoke away from populated areas. "The winds are working with us, blowing out to sea and keeping smoke away from densely populated regions," he clarified.
With the fire contained, the focus now shifts to determining the extent of damage and ensuring proper safety protocols are reinforced to prevent such occurrences in the future. Rahm reassured stakeholders, stating, "We will continue monitoring the situation closely and undertake necessary evaluations of the facility and our operational procedures. Safety remains our utmost priority at Braviken Mill."
The Braviken Paper Mill is operated by Holmen Kartong och Papper, and it sits along the scenic shoreline of Bråviken, underscoring both its industrial importance and its position within the community. This incident will undoubtedly undergo thorough examination as the company looks to restore normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.
The events of Thursday evening not only highlight the reactive capabilities of the fire service but also reveal potential vulnerabilities within industrial infrastructure. Companies and authorities must remain vigilant to safeguard against future incidents, ensuring safety protocols are not only established but strictly enforced.
