A massive fire in southern Norway has resulted in the destruction of over 100 properties, leading to the evacuation of numerous residents, as confirmed by emergency services. The blaze is currently sweeping through a residential area in Krokstadelva, Drammen, approximately 30 miles west of Oslo, and has now extended into a nearby forest, according to officials.

Efforts to extinguish the inferno involve around 80 firefighters, Civil Defence personnel, and six firefighting helicopters. Overnight, helicopter operations had to be paused, leaving ground teams to battle the flames independently. Authorities cautioned that the lack of aerial support could present a significant challenge and hinder containment efforts.

A local resident, Finn Roine, recounted the rapid spread of the fire, mentioning the loss of his daughter’s house and the ongoing flames. Police incident commander Frode Presthus detailed plans to combat the wildfire from the south and work towards containing it to the north, although the fire remains uncontrolled and continues to advance.

Weather conditions, particularly the wind, are a cause for concern, with projections suggesting it may take until Saturday to bring the fire under control. Only one individual has received treatment for minor smoke inhalation, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. No missing persons have been reported, and evacuation and support centers have been set up for those displaced by the incident.

The origin and cause of the fire remain uncertain at this stage. Drammen mayor Kjell Arne Hermansen expressed shock over the scale of the fire and emphasized the importance of following guidance from emergency services and law enforcement. The municipality has activated crisis management to address the impact of the significant fire on the community.