On the opposite side of Nanortalik in Sissarissoq, 19 firefighters and twelve volunteers struggled to extinguish a fire from Tuesday afternoon until late at night.
When the wind blew from the north at 18 to 25 meters per second, the fire spread quickly, says emergency inspector in Nanortalik, Thorvald Madsen. The weather made extinguishing work more difficult.
“Our pumping station on the coast was hit hard by waves when the wind came from the north, and the hoses filled with air. We fought hard to extinguish the fire,” says Thorvald Madsen.
Although the fire in the lower areas was extinguished, the fire that has spread to the heights is not yet under control, and it can be dangerous for firefighters to extinguish it in such steep terrain.
A helicopter may be necessary
As the fire is now located in an area 200-300 meters up, it will be assessed whether a helicopter should be used in the extinguishing work.
– If the fire moves towards the city, it will be carefully assessed whether there is a danger to people and whether a helicopter should be rented, says the head of emergency services in the Municipality of Kujalleq, Asmus Hansen, to Sermitsiaq.
It is rare for fires to occur at this time of year, says the fire chief in Nanortalik, Thorvald Madsen. He adds that even though there is still snow in many places, the ground is dry.
– I cannot say exactly what started the fire. It may have started with glass or old soda bottles, but I cannot say that for sure, says Thorvald Madsen.
He thanks the volunteers
When the 19 firefighters needed help due to the size of the fire, volunteers were needed. So far, twelve volunteers have participated in the extinguishing work.
– I am very grateful to the volunteers. I would like to say a big thank you to them, says Thorvald Madsen.
In addition to the volunteers, he would also like to thank the shops that have provided food for the firefighters.
– Ajaaja Kiosk and Brugsen in Nanortalik made contributions without being asked. It is touching, says Thorvald Madsen.
Since the fire has now spread to an area where the firefighters and volunteers cannot reach, he says that there is currently no need for more volunteers.
