A major fire broke out in a workshop in Elisedal, Malmö, on Saturday, with flames bursting through the roof and thick smoke affecting traffic on E65. Rescue services struggled with a hard-to-extinguish blaze, and a vital community alert (VMA) was issued to warn residents. Police patrolled with blue lights to protect drivers.
The alarm for the fire came at 17:30 from Sporregatan in Elisedal, Malmö. Initially, smoke was visible from the building, but by 20:00 the blaze intensified, with flames rising through the roof. The structure houses multiple businesses, and a large portion was severely damaged.
Rescue services launched a massive operation with ten fire trucks from seven stations. 'We have a fire in the premises that is difficult to extinguish. It is due to debris collapsing over the fire and a lot of smoke,' said Mattias Sköld, duty officer at the rescue service, in the evening.
The thick smoke spread and impaired visibility on E65. 'It is burning so intensely that the smoke reaches E65 and it impairs visibility for drivers,' explained police spokesperson Sara Andersson. Several police cars drove onto the road with blue lights to warn motorists.
A VMA was issued for central Malmö, urging people to stay indoors and close doors, windows, and ventilation. The fire was still not under control late in the evening, with rescue efforts ongoing intensely.