- Fire broke out in a town yard.
- The fire department is working to contain the blaze.
- Uelands gate is closed in both directions.
A fire that started on the 1st floor has spread to the ventilation system and three floors in a town yard near Alexander Kielland’s place, prompting evacuations and causing travel delays in Oslo as of June 20, 2025. Emergency services are on the scene, working to control the fire and assess the situation.
The fire department reports the fire began in a town yard dating back to 1890. Firefighters are concerned about the potential for rapid spread in such buildings, as Brede Bratli of the fire department explained, “In practise, it is built as a chimney with wooden floors in wood.”
Police are currently working to evacuate residents from the area. No injuries or smoke-related incidents have been reported at this time.
Impact on Commuters
Uelands gate is closed in both directions due to the fire. The closure affects bus lines 34 and 52, forcing them to reroute between Alexander Kielland’s square and Jernbanetorget.
According to Øystein dahl Johansen, it’s challenging to estimate how much the bus schedules will be affected.
The fire, which began on the 1st floor, has now been extinguished there, but has spread to the building’s ventilation system and three floors, as stated by the police.
Authorities are working to gain a complete overview and control over the situation.
Oslo’s Rich History and the Challenge of Preserving Wooden Architecture
The ongoing fire in Oslo, as reported on June 20, 2025, underscores the vulnerability of the city’s older structures to fire, especially those constructed from wood. The incident raises critical questions about preserving oslo’s character while ensuring the safety of its residents. The city’s evolution, from its origins east of the Aker River, has shaped its architectural landscape [[1]].
Throughout its history, Oslo has grown into a major economic and governmental center, playing a key role in Norwegian industries such as trade, banking, and shipping [[3]]. From being Norway’s capital and largest city, Oslo is also an important hub for maritime industries and trade in Europe [[1]].Preserving the city’s ancient architecture is not just about maintaining aesthetics-it’s about protecting a valuable part of norway’s heritage.
Preservation efforts face meaningful challenges, particularly when dealing with wooden buildings. The town yard affected by the recent fire, dating back to 1890, exemplifies this.
Preventative Measures and Best Practices
To answer the reader’s question about preventative measures, a proactive approach is crucial to protect Oslo’s historic wooden structures.Here are some immediate steps that can be taken:
