Norway: Massive Fire Destroys 100 Homes, Triggers Evacuations
A large fire in southern Norway that destroyed about a hundred homes and forced the evacuation of over 400 people has been largely contained. Firefighters have prevented further spread in residential areas, but the blaze in forested areas remains uncontrolled.
Fire officials reported on Saturday that a blaze which broke out in a townhouse on the outskirts of Drammen, about 34 kilometers from Oslo, has been mostly brought under control. The fire started around 3:30 p.m. local time on Friday and quickly spread through a row of townhouses, then into the neighborhood and nearby forests, fueled by strong winds and exceptionally dry conditions. Local media described it as the largest fire in Norway in over a century.
More than 400 people were evacuated, according to the newspaper Aftenposten. Public broadcaster NRK said firefighters from several districts were called in and worked through the night. Several firefighting helicopters were also deployed. By Saturday lunchtime, authorities said there was no longer a major risk of the fire spreading within residential areas, but firefighters had not yet gained control over forested areas.
No deaths were reported, but one firefighter suffered minor injuries and several people were treated for smoke inhalation. The newspaper Dagbladet described the scene as resembling a war zone, with burned-out cars and destroyed houses.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressed his condolences to those who lost their homes and thanked fire and rescue crews as well as volunteers. He called the fire "deeply shocking" on social media. The cause of the fire is not yet known, though dry conditions likely contributed to its rapid spread.
