A massive fire in southern Norway has resulted in the destruction of over 100 properties, leading to the evacuation of numerous residents, as confirmed by emergency services. The blaze, located in Krokstadelva, Drammen, approximately 30 miles west of Oslo, is currently spreading through a residential area and has now reached a nearby forest, officials reported.
To combat the inferno, around 80 firefighters, along with Civil Defence personnel and six firefighting helicopters, are engaged in the firefighting efforts. During the night, helicopter operations had to be suspended, forcing ground teams to confront the flames independently. Authorities expressed concerns that the lack of aerial support could present significant challenges and hinder their attempts to contain the fire’s further spread.
Finn Roine, a local resident, recounted the rapid escalation of the fire, stating that his daughter’s house was among the structures engulfed by the flames. The intensity of the fire and its swift progression resulted in the destruction of multiple houses in succession.
Police incident commander Frode Presthus mentioned that the fire is expanding into the forest, transforming into a larger wildfire moving southward. Efforts are being made to contain the fire by approaching it from the south and extinguishing it in a northward direction. However, as of now, the fire remains uncontrolled and continues to advance.
Weather conditions, particularly the wind patterns, are a significant concern, with authorities predicting that it might take until Saturday to fully contain the blaze. One individual received treatment for minor smoke inhalation, and a firefighter sustained minor injuries, with no reports of missing persons. Evacuation and support centers have been established by the local authority to assist those displaced by the fire.
The exact location and cause of the fire are still unknown. Drammen mayor Kjell Arne Hermansen expressed shock at the scale of the fire and its impact on the residents. The municipality has activated its crisis management team to address the crisis effectively and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.