Norway Forest Fire Rages for Second Day, Reaching One Meter Deep

Firefighters are battling a stubborn forest fire in Birkenes, Norway, now in its second day, with flames reaching up to a meter deep into the ground. While the fire department reported improved control Thursday morning, the blaze continues to burn intensely in multiple locations within the affected area.

"We have laid hoses around the entire area, so we will likely manage to prevent the fire from spreading to new areas," said operations leader Johnny Flæte of the Kristiansand region's fire and rescue service. "However, it is still burning well inside the area, and the fire can still spread. Therefore, it is too early to say that we have control."

Reinforcements arrived Thursday morning, including new crews from several fire stations, the Civil Defense, and numerous volunteers. Some individuals have cut short their vacations to assist in the critical firefighting operation. The primary goal remains to contain the spread while tackling the deep-seated flames.

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We have laid hoses around the entire area, so we will likely manage to prevent the fire from spreading to new areas. However, it is still burning well inside the area, and the fire can still spread. Therefore, it is too early to say that we have control.