The bandroom of Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag has survived a narrow fire catastrophe thanks to the prompt action of their regular cleaner.

Lars Mostraum discovered a smoldering blaze in the fuse box with the rehearsal room filling with smoke as he started his weekly round of duties — but his quick response to the local fire brigade averted potential disaster.

Clean up

The firemen, several of them also local bandsmen themselves, managed to smother the danger, although ash had already covered all surfaces — making for an extensive clean-up operation.

The band’s extensive percussion inventory will now have to be professionally repaired whilst some of the walls of the building will have to be rebuilt.

Toxic ash

A band spokesperson told 4BR: “Our rehearsal facility will have to be closed for several months due to the toxic ash and dust floating in the air, so the band will have to find alternative accommodation.

It will be quite a challenge with two major tours coming up in the next month. Also, local band Oster Brass and the school band Knarvik Skulekorps will need to do the same, as they also share the bandroom with us. They are in the final preparation for the Norwegian Constitution Day and the National School Band Championship.”

Our rehearsal facility will have to be closed for several months due to the toxic ash and dust floating in the air, so the band will have to find alternative accommodationEikanger Bjorsvik spokesperson

Better and safer

They added: “We are though much more happy that the fire was put out, and we will now strive to make it better and safer than ever for everyone to enjoy its great facilities for many more years to come.”