Forest fire threatens municipal economy
Forest fire threatens municipal economy
16June 2008
published by www.norwaypost.no
The forest fire which consumed 7.500 acres of forest in Froland, Aust-Agder last week, may cost the municipality as much as NOK 60 million (USD 10 million).
The Froland mayor Sigurd Pedersen says there is no way the municipality is able to cover all these costs on its own.
According to present legislation, the municipalities are themselves responsible for preparedness and fire fighting ability.
This could mean an economic catastrophe for the tiny municipality of Froland, Aftenposten writes.
The Justice Department says to Aftenpossten that is too early to tell whether or not Froland will receive economic support. This will probably be decided by the end of this week.
