More than 400 people were evacuated after a massive fire destroyed over 100 homes in southeastern Norway. The blaze remains out of control, although authorities said the threat to additional residential buildings has eased. Emergency crews continue firefighting operations across the affected area.
The fire began in a townhouse in Krokstadelva, near Drammen, on Friday before spreading rapidly to nearby homes and surrounding woodland. According to police, firefighters are still tackling smouldering hotspots and smaller fires despite progress in containing the blaze.
Read more: Wildfire destroys over 100 homes in Norway
Around 100 firefighters from 10 fire and rescue services and 17 fire stations have been deployed during the past 24 hours. The response also includes support from the armed forces, civil defence, and police, with 12 fire engines remaining at the scene.
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) said six firefighting helicopters have dropped approximately 800,000 litres of water on the affected area. Seven additional helicopters remain on standby across southern Norway. DSB Director Lars Jacob Hiim described the incident as the largest fire of its kind in modern Norwegian history.
Authorities said there have been no fatalities or reports of missing residents. Two people, including a civil defence member, were hospitalised for smoke inhalation. A firefighter sustained minor injuries, while eight police officers were also treated after inhaling smoke during rescue operations.
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Drammen Mayor Kjell Arne Hermansen called the incident a disaster and said about 400 evacuees had been registered at the municipality’s evacuation centre. Displaced residents are being housed in local hotels or staying with relatives and friends.
Officials said the fire is no longer expected to spread to additional buildings, although several forest fires continue to burn nearby. Heavy rainfall forecast for Saturday is expected to support firefighting efforts and improve containment of the remaining hotspots.