Firefighters gain control of major blaze in Norwegian city; hundreds evacuated

Firefighters have brought a major fire in the Norwegian city of Drammen under control, after it ravaged a residential neighborhood starting midday yesterday. While the blaze is contained, firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout the day as pockets of fire still smolder in the apartments and nearby woods.

Around 400 residents have been evacuated from their homes, with over 100 apartments now rendered uninhabitable by the flames. The fire chief of Vestfold, Jan Helge Kaiser, reported on Facebook this morning that the fire was under control, though extensive work remains.

Two helicopters were dispatched to the scene, with four more on standby, to assist in combating the fire. Fortunately, no residents have been reported missing. However, two individuals, including a civil defense representative, were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. One firefighter sustained minor injuries, and eight police officers also suffered from smoke inhalation.

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The fire is under control, but firefighting operations are planned all day as there are still fires burning in several places in the residential area and in the nearby forest.

Drammen Mayor Kjell Arne Hermansen described the event as a "disaster." The evacuated residents are currently sheltered at the city's emergency reception center at the Scandic Hotel and other hotels, while many have also sought refuge with family and friends.

Responding emergency services and residents are welcoming the forecast of heavy rain today, hoping it will further assist in extinguishing the remaining flames and preventing any resurgence of the fire. The fire was reportedly contained overnight, with no immediate danger of spreading to new buildings.

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The word disaster can be used when such a large fire occurs.