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Wet and Cool Weather Aids Extinguishing of Major Fire in Norway
🇩🇰 Denmark /Disasters & Emergencies

Wet and Cool Weather Aids Extinguishing of Major Fire in Norway

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • A large fire in Drammen, Norway, has been largely extinguished, with wet and cool weather aiding the effort.
  • The fire destroyed approximately 100 homes, forcing the evacuation of over 400 people.
  • While the fire is under control, forensic investigations can only begin next week, and authorities are still seeking information on missing persons.

Wet and cool weather conditions have significantly aided firefighters in Drammen, Norway, in their efforts to control a major fire that devastated approximately 100 homes. Overnight, emergency services maintained a vigil, with no further active firefighting required, thanks to the favorable weather.

"We kept watch in both the residential area and the forest last night, but from 08:00, new firefighters and civil defense personnel will be deployed," stated duty officer Jan Rundtom. He noted that rain throughout the night and temperatures dropping below ten degrees Celsius contributed to the situation.

Over 400 residents were evacuated due to the blaze, which has been declared under control but not yet fully extinguished as of Saturday evening. Authorities are still appealing for information regarding any missing persons, though no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported. One civilian and a civil defense worker were hospitalized with smoke inhalation, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. Eight police officers also inhaled smoke during the extensive evacuation efforts.

We kept watch in both the residential area and the forest last night, but from 08:00, new firefighters and civil defense personnel will be deployed.

— Jan RundtomThe duty officer described the overnight situation and the planned deployment of new personnel.

Fire departments from across Eastern Norway, along with the Norwegian Home Guard, civil defense, volunteer organizations, and private individuals, participated in the firefighting operation. Denmark's Emergency Management Agency also offered assistance. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) described the incident as the largest registered fire of its kind in modern Norwegian history.

"Fortunately, we have received no reports of anyone being seriously injured or losing their life," said DSB Director Lars Jacob Hiim, praising the significant efforts of Drammen municipality, its crisis management team, and all emergency responders. Forensic investigations at the fire site are expected to commence early next week.

Fortunately, we have received no reports of anyone being seriously injured or losing their life.

— Lars Jacob HiimThe DSB Director commented on the lack of fatalities and serious injuries despite the scale of the fire.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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