The Faroese pelagic sector is expected to be hit hard by the destruction yesterday in a devastating fire of the Vardinn Pelagic factory in Tvøroyri.
Vardinn built the factory only a few years ago with the unexpected decision to build their pelagic processing plant in the island of Sudoroy, where the high-capacity, high-tech factory has operated very successfully.
The fire broke out yesterday morning and quickly spread from the storage area, and due to the volumes of ammonia stored at the factory for refrigeration systems, nearby houses were evacuated.
Fire crews fought the blaze, joined by Coastguard vessels that arrived at the Tvøroyri quayside and fire appliances drafted in from Tórshavn and the airport at Vágur.
By yesterday evening the fire was under control, but with the building still too hot to enter.
There were no injuries, although one of the fire crew was treated for suspected smoke inhalation.
