Drammen Firefighters Pause as Favorable Weather Aids Containment

Cool and damp weather provided a much-needed respite for firefighters in Drammen, Norway, as they battled a devastating fire that raged through the city. No new outbreaks required response overnight, with only monitoring work ongoing.

“

We have had surveillance both in the residential area and in the forest during the night, but from eight o'clock new firefighters and personnel from civil defense will be deployed.

The fire has had a catastrophic impact, destroying over 100 homes and forcing more than 400 residents to evacuate their properties. Amidst the devastation, many are focused on finding lost pets. Frank and Lena Stiby, who lost their home and two cats, were overjoyed to find one of their pets, Mio, thanks to GPS tracking and the efforts of a community of pet owners.

“

It has rained a bit during the night, with cool and humid air, and it has been favorable.

"It's pure happiness. I am so happy," Lena told VG. Despite the destruction, Frank expressed gratitude for their survival. "Now we will think about our four-legged friends. And about ourselves too, of course. We are all alive – tonight we will be happy," he told the Norwegian newspaper.

“

It's pure happiness. I am so happy.

However, not all pet owners have had similar luck, with Drammen's acting police chief Geir Oustorp stating that many animals are still missing. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has declared the fire the largest of its kind in modern Norwegian history. Forensic investigations at the scene are not expected to begin until next week, and police are appealing for any images or videos that could help determine the cause of the blaze.

“

Now we will think about our four-legged friends. And about ourselves too, of course. We are all alive – tonight we will be happy.