Fire destroys at least 18 apartments in Arboga, Sweden

A fire in Arboga, Sweden, has been brought under control, but at least 18 apartments in terraced housing have been completely destroyed. The intense heat from the blaze means there is still a risk of flare-ups.

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It was so hot when I came out that it almost felt like my house would catch fire. I sprayed the house facade with a water hose just to do something; you feel so powerless.

The fire alarm sounded shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday, and the flames spread rapidly through the buildings. A neighbor described the scene, saying, "It was so hot when I came out that it almost felt like my house would catch fire. I sprayed the house facade with a water hose just to do something; you feel so powerless."

By Saturday, police had reduced the cordoned-off area to the two affected rows of houses, each containing about ten apartments. In one row, only the outer structure remains. Fire services attempted to save two apartments in one of the rows, but it is uncertain if they succeeded.

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In the one row, it is only the shell that remains.

Two additional rows of terraced houses were evacuated due to heavy smoke, and authorities are assessing if the residents' homes sustained smoke damage. The police have no information indicating anyone was seriously injured. Due to the ongoing risk of smaller fires reigniting, a technical investigation into the cause of the blaze has not yet begun. Arboga municipality has activated its crisis support group to assist the affected residents, who have been offered temporary accommodation.

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It is often so with fires, that there is a risk that they flare up again. Especially when it is as hot as it has been in this fire. Rescue services have a long extinguishing work to do.