Cross-Border Collaboration Delivers Rapid Recovery After Devastating Fire in Norway

On August 2nd, a fire erupted in a forklift inside a fish processing facility in the northern Norwegian town of Senjahopen, triggering a large-scale emergency. Polygon Norway was swiftly assigned to handle the cleaning and restoration, with technicians on-site the following Monday to begin soot removal.

What began as a major fire cleanup quickly escalated. Just days into the restoration process, a second fire broke out in another building on the same site, effectively doubling the damage area and recontaminating already cleaned sections. The scope of work grew to over 8,000 square meters, putting immense pressure on time, resources, and logistics, all under the shadow of the approaching herring season, a crucial operational period for the factory.

Solution: Seamless Multi-National Response Through Major & Complex Claims Project

Polygon Norway activated the Major & Complex Claims (MCC) team, a 24/7 emergency unit with cross-border capabilities. In close cooperation with PolygonVatro (Germany) and Polygon Denmark, as well as Eurostock in the Netherlands, an international task force was assembled at record speed.

Within days:

• 80 technicians were deployed initially

• That number soon grew to 160 technicians, working in shifts, 100 during the day and 60 at night.

• Specialists, chemicals, and equipment were flown in from across Europe.

• All efforts were synchronised under one unified restoration plan

Idar Kjøsnes, Project Manager at Polygon, explained the scale:

“It all started with a fire in a truck. We came with 80 men to investigate and clean the site, but then another fire broke out, adding 4,000 m² to our job. Everything we had done had to be redone. The damage went from 20 million NOK to 40 million NOK overnight.”

Despite the chaos, the commitment to meet the original deadline remained firm.

Impact: A Benchmark Project in Emergency Restoration

This operation is now considered the largest restoration project in Polygon Norway's history, both in scope and financial value. More than just a fire cleanup, it became a case study in speed, precision, and cross-border collaboration under extreme pressure.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Kjøsnes.
“This is truly a once-in-a-career experience for many of us.”

Alfredsen echoed the sentiment:

“Polygon's methods and attention to detail have given us new insights we’ll take with us going forward.”

Key Takeaways

• Cross-border collaboration was crucial for scaling the workforce and resources rapidly.

• 24/7 team coverage ensured round-the-clock progress and no delays.

• Advanced restoration techniques and logistics coordination minimised rework and accelerated progress.

• Despite doubling in scope, the project remained on time and target, preserving a vital production season for the client.

Get in touch with our Major & Complex Claims team on 0800 0855 134