Investigation of serious incident with burn injury in Skibotn in Storfjord municipality
On 15 March 2026, a soldier sustained severe burn injuries after boiling water and steam were released from a fixed water & ration heater inside a military vehicle during Exercise Cold Response 2026 near Skibotn in Storfjord municipality. The Armed Forces have informed the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority that several similar incidents have occurred involving comparable equipment.
While on communications duty inside a military vehicle, a soldier was preparing a field ration by adding hot water. The soldier believed that the fixed water & ration heater required refilling and opened the lid to add water. When the locking mechanism was released, boiling water and steam were expelled from the boiler. The soldier sustained burn injuries to parts of the body.
The Armed Forces have subsequently reported that other similar incidents have occurred involving comparable equipment.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority will map the sequence of events and identify safety issues and contributing factors. The investigation will form the basis for assessing the need for safety‑enhancing measures.
Update and information on preliminary findings 24 April 2026
A review of the technical documentation from the manufacturer of the water & ration heater shows, among other things, that the pressure relief valve located in the unit’s lid has a defined maintenance procedure with an associated maintenance interval.
NSIA has not identified any evidence that a corresponding maintenance regime has been established or documented within the Norwegian Armed Forces.
NSIA’s preliminary assessment is that the lack of maintenance on the unit’s pressure relief valve may have resulted in the loss of this safety function.
NSIA is continuing to examine whether the lack of function in the pressure relief valve may have been a contributing factor to the current incident, or to other similar incidents. Further examinations and tests of this type of water & ration heater are planned.
NSIA has informed the Norwegian Armed Forces of the preliminary findings and has recommended that the Armed Forces initiate maintenance of all pressure relief valves on all water & ration heater of this type, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. SHK further recommends that these units be incorporated into the Armed Forces’ maintenance system to ensure appropriate follow‑up and safety of the equipment.
Latest update: 24.04.2026
Facts
| Location | Skibotn in Storfjord municipality |
| Occurrence date | 15.03.2026 |
| Category of Occurrence | Serious incident |
| Defence branch | The Norwegian Army |
| Incident type | Other |
| County | Troms |