Fire On Hrísey Brought Under Control

Firefighters say that they have managed to bring the fire under control that was burning on Hrísey, off the coast of northern Iceland, earlier this morning Vísir reports. Chief fireman of Akureyri Ólafur Stefánsson says that although the last embers from the burnt ruins are being extinguished, the fire could always ignite again.

The fire was announced around 05:00 this morning. Members of the available fire brigade from Akureyri, Dalvík, and Ólafsfjörður, the police, and rescue teams were called to the assistance of Hrísey residents.

“There are still a lot of fumes in the area, but no more loose flames,” said Ólafur in an interview with Vísir. “We will stay for a few more hours, as this is a work in progress.”

A great deal of effort was made to defend the northernmost part of the old freezing plant, which seems to have succeeded. The fire did not reach that area, though it saw some smoke damage and soot.

Ólafur says that the house is standing and is quite intact. He states that they were also able to save the ice cream parlor on the other side of the street. A fire broke out and burned in the tower of the main building which was burning, in an area where office spaces were located. The eaves of the roof were on fire, but it was put out successfully.

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