Towering inferno: Norwegians set record for world’s biggest bonfire (VIDEOS)

27 Jun, 2016 18:50

Impressive videos have emerged of an amazing towering inferno lit by Norwegians in the sea port of Ålesund, setting a new record for the world’s biggest bonfire.

The bonfire, known as Slinningsbålet, is lit annually in June in Slinningsodden, on the country’s west coast, as part of the Midsummer festival and the celebration of John the Baptist's’ birthday.

This year, it was measured by laser at 47.4 metres (155 ft), setting a new world record, according to The Local. The record was confirmed by Møre og Romsdal Police.

Slinningsbålet first set the record for tallest bonfire in 2010, when it reached 40.45 meters (132.71 ft).

The structure is built manually by up to 40 locals, who stack the pallets on top of each other over several days before the massive fire is lit.

The daredevils then climb the tower on June 24 to put a burning fuse in a barrel at the top of the stack, then climb back down before it ignites.