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Massive fire in Norway: Over 100 homes lost, hundreds evacuated
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด Norway /Disasters & Emergencies

Massive fire in Norway: Over 100 homes lost, hundreds evacuated

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A major fire broke out in a terraced house in Krokstadelva, Drammen, Norway, spreading rapidly to other houses and terrain.
  • The fire is considered potentially the largest in Norway in modern times, with over 400 people evacuated and more than 100 homes lost.
  • Emergency services are working to control the blaze, with reduced spread risk due to favorable weather, and no serious injuries reported, though some suffered smoke inhalation.

A devastating fire erupted in Krokstadelva, Drammen, Norway, rapidly engulfing a terraced house and spreading to adjacent properties and the surrounding terrain. The blaze is being described as potentially the largest fire in Norway in modern history, prompting a large-scale evacuation and significant property loss.

As of Saturday morning, emergency services, police, and municipal officials were meeting the press to provide updates. While the cause of the fire remains unknown, the fire department has not yet gained full control. However, the risk of further spread has been reduced, though smoldering and smaller fires persist in the area.

We will be working throughout the day, but the weather is on the side of the rescue workers, and the risk of spread is reduced.

โ€” Bรฅrd OlsenInnsatsleder (Incident Commander) Bรฅrd Olsen providing an update on the fire situation on Saturday morning.

Over 400 individuals have been evacuated from their homes, with more than 100 residences lost to the flames. Fortunately, no serious personal injuries have been reported. A firefighter sustained minor burns, and one civilian and a member of the Civil Defense suffered smoke inhalation, with the civilian requiring hospitalization.

Minister of Justice and Public Security, Astri Aas-Hansen, visited Krokstadelva on Saturday, expressing the profound impact of the event. "The security associated with home is very strong. It is very powerful," she stated to reporters, acknowledging the deep sense of loss and vulnerability experienced by those affected by the disaster.

It is very strong impressions. The security associated with home. It is very strong.

โ€” Astri Aas-HansenMinister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen reflecting on her visit to the fire-affected area.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.