Nyheter, Bodø | Brann på campingplass: – Bygget er nedbrent – Avisa Nordland

The reception building at Saltstraumen camping in Bodø was destroyed by a fire during the early hours of May 9, 2026. Three people required medical attention following the incident, though authorities stated that the injuries did not appear to be serious.

Police received the initial report of the fire at 00:55 on May 9, 2026. The building became fully engulfed shortly thereafter. At 01:03, Veronica Helen Nylund, the operations leader for the Nordland police district, reported that the building was overtent.

Two individuals were transported to the hospital, and a third person was taken to an emergency clinic for further examination. Police confirmed that all persons who were inside the building at the time of the fire managed to exit safely and were examined by ambulance personnel at the scene. No persons were reported missing.

Evacuations and Safety Risks

Due to the intensity of the fire, police identified a risk of the flames spreading to nearby cabins, camping caravans, and forest terrain. This led to the immediate evacuation of guests staying in those areas. Once the fire was brought under control, the evacuated guests were permitted to return to their accommodations.

During the emergency response, police and fire services managed a potential explosion risk. Veronica Helen Nylund confirmed that there were reports of gas inside the building, which necessitated that spectators and reporters maintain a safe distance from the structure.

The reception building collapsed relatively quickly. By 02:03 on May 9, 2026, the Nordland police reported that Salten Brann had established control over the fire and the risk of spread had been eliminated.

Witness Accounts

Geir Milne, a resident of Mo i Rana who was staying in a motorhome at the campsite with his wife, described the speed at which the fire developed. Milne and his wife were visiting the area to enter their dachshund in an exhibition in Tverrlandet on May 9, 2026.

I woke up because someone banged on the wall at half past one. Now you must get out, because it is burning, it was said.

Geir Milne via VG

Milne stated that when he exited the motorhome, he saw flames rising at least 10 meters above the reception building. He noted that when he had been outside his vehicle at 00:30, there was no sign of fire, suggesting the blaze developed very rapidly.

Police have stated that it is currently too early to determine the cause of the fire, and the case has transitioned into a formal investigation.