Rain offers hope for Norway's massive Krokstadelva fire

Fire crews in Krokstadelva, Norway, are hoping that the arrival of rain on Saturday morning will help quell a major blaze that has devastated the community. A powerful storm system is currently over Drammen, bringing much-needed precipitation. "Rain, lightning, and thunder are on their way north. We don't like lightning and thunder much, but rain is good," said duty leader Jan Rundtom of the Sør-Øst 110-central to NTB.

Forecasters predict 13 millimeters of rain in Krokstadelva throughout Saturday, with rain expected for much of the day. Light northerly winds with gusts up to 11 meters per second are also present. However, the thunderstorms could pose a problem for firefighting helicopters scheduled to assist once daylight permits. Initially, two helicopters were to be deployed. Rundtom confirmed that new crews have joined the firefighting efforts, with ground teams having been able to rest.

Control of the fire had not been reported by Saturday morning. Overnight, ground crews worked without helicopter support due to darkness and experienced issues with water pressure, resorting to using water tankers. Police incident leader Frode Presthus stated late Friday that the fire had somewhat subsided and had not spread to additional homes since the last update. This situation remained unchanged Saturday morning, with containment lines holding.

The massive fire has destroyed over 100 homes, potentially marking it as one of Norway's largest residential fires in more than a century. Fire expert Ruben Dobler Strand pointed to steep terrain, unfavorable winds, prolonged heat drying out wooden cladding, and potential inadequate fire safety in dense, older housing as contributing factors to the rapid spread. The police received the initial report of the fire at 3:36 p.m. Friday. Three people sustained minor injuries: one firefighter with minor burns, and one civilian and one person from Civil Defense with smoke inhalation. Eight police officers were checked for smoke inhalation during the evacuation.

“

Rain, lightning, and thunder are on their way north. We don't like lightning and thunder much, but rain is good.