A severe lightning storm in Gävle caused multiple fires overnight, with three houses catching fire due to lightning strikes. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) had issued a yellow warning, predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms. The storm led to significant challenges for the local fire department, although the situation calmed after 2 AM.
Lightning Storms Ignite Fires in Gävle Overnight
Lightning Storms Ignite Fires in Gävle Overnight
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute's (SMHI) yellow warning proved accurate. The storm hit, causing issues primarily in Gävle.
"We have had fires likely caused by lightning strikes," says Emil Berggren, duty officer at the fire department.
Shortly after 1 AM, the weather chaos made its first impact on the Gävle fire department.
"There were automatic fire alarms that can be attributed to the thunderstorm," says Emil Berggren, duty officer at the fire department.
The weather continued to cause problems, resulting in three fires likely linked to the lightning. One fire occurred in an outbuilding northeast of Gävle. The building was fully engulfed when the fire department arrived and could not be extinguished.
"It's difficult to determine a cause, but there was significant lightning in the area," says Emil Berggren.
Fires Just a Few Houses Apart
The fire department was also called to two fires in Åbyggeby. One fire was in a villa, where the fire department confirmed lightning as the cause.
"There were quick-thinking neighbors on site who managed to extinguish it. So when we arrived, there was no fire, only smoke and heat."
Just a few houses away, another outbuilding caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish this fire.
"Now it's moving westward, so we'll see how it affects Dalarna, but so far there's nothing there."
The fire department reports that it has been relatively calm after 2 AM.
Yellow Warning Extended
SMHI had previously extended the yellow warning for torrential rain in northern Svealand and southern Norrland. Late on Saturday, they warned of heavy showers and local thunderstorms.
They warned that up to 50 millimeters of rain could fall in a short time, potentially causing flooding.