Explosive fire destroys over 100 homes near Drammen, Norway

A rapid and "explosive" fire in Krokstadelva, near Drammen, Norway, has destroyed over 100 homes. Authorities cited a combination of factors, including heat, prolonged drought, wind, and densely packed housing, as likely reasons for the fire's swift spread.

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It is hard. We are really affected by what has happened here. It touches us deeply.

Firefighters worked tirelessly for 24 hours to combat the blaze, which broke out in an area with multiple terraced houses on Friday afternoon. While the fire was brought under control by Saturday, it remained unextinguished. Firefighters described the experience as deeply affecting, with one section leader from the Drammen fire department, Calle Varfjell, visibly emotional as he spoke about the focus on saving lives and evacuating residents.

Fortunately, no human casualties were reported. The intensity of the fire was exacerbated by gas cylinders present in some of the homes, which were used for gas grills. Although the fire in the surrounding vegetation has subsided, officials cautioned that flare-ups are still possible, and the fire is not entirely contained.

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The fire is not under control, in the sense that it can flare up again.

Police are investigating the exact cause of the fire and are gathering witness statements. Authorities have dismissed rumors circulating on social media suggesting terrorism as the cause, urging the public to disregard such speculation.

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I think we should put that to an immediate end.