Severe Fires in Malmö and Göteborg Result in One Death and Major Emergency Response

On February 7, 2026, Sweden faced two major fire incidents in Malmö and Göteborg, causing significant public safety concerns and prompting extensive emergency responses. In Malmö, a severe industrial fire broke out in a factory located in Elisedal around 5:30 PM. The fire rapidly escalated, with open flames visible through the roof by 8 PM. Due to safety concerns inside the building, firefighters shifted to external firefighting measures and expected to continue efforts into the next morning. The cause remains unclear, possibly linked to chemicals. The fire led to hazardous smoke conditions affecting the E6 and E65 highways, prompting police deployment to warn motorists and the potential closure of roads. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in Malmö.

Meanwhile, in Göteborg, a fatal apartment fire occurred in the Hisingen district with one person dying and two others hospitalized after smoke inhalation. The fire alarm was raised around 7 PM, and authorities arrested a suspect under a murder investigation due to unclear circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have not disclosed further details about those involved. Earlier the same day, a separate apartment fire in Biskopsgården, Göteborg injured two people, with both hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Emergency responders extinguished that fire and secured the building to prevent structural spread.

These incidents highlight ongoing challenges for Swedish emergency services amid unclear causes and serious consequences. In Malmö, fire officials managed to contain the blaze despite debris and heavy smoke complicating efforts. In Göteborg, the legal implications of the apartment fire are under investigation.

According to Joel Jonasson from Malmö’s fire department, the situation necessitated external firefighting for safety, and "firefighting efforts are expected to continue throughout the night." Police spokesperson Sara Andersson emphasized the danger to drivers due to smoke reducing visibility on highways. From Göteborg, police spokesperson Fredrik Svedemyr noted the "unclear circumstances" leading to a murder investigation, underscoring the serious nature of that fire.