Norwegian PM condemns 'war zone' devastation as 100 homes destroyed in Drammen blaze
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store offers condolences as authorities confirm no fatalities in the southern Norway disaster, though over 400 residents were forced to evacuate their homes.
A massive wildfire in Drammen, southern Norway, has destroyed approximately 100 homes and triggered the evacuation of over 400 residents, prompting a nationwide emergency response. The blaze, which began in a townhouse on Friday afternoon, spread rapidly due to strong winds and exceptionally dry conditions, engulfing nearby forests and prompting local media to describe the inferno as the largest in the Nordic nation for more than a century.
Firefighters from other districts across Norway were drafted in to assist with the blaze, supported by several helicopters typically used for extinguishing forest fires. By Saturday lunchtime, officials stated there was no longer a major risk of the fire spreading within residential areas, although firefighters had not yet gained full control over the forested zones. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Drammen, approximately 34 kilometers from the capital, Oslo.
The scale of the destruction has drawn significant attention from Norwegian media, including reports from Aftenposten, NRK, and Dagbladet. Newspaper Dagbladet reported that the scene resembles a "war zone," with burned-out cars and destroyed houses. Despite the severity of the event, police confirmed that no deaths were reported. However, one firefighter sustained minor injuries, and several civilians were treated for smoke inhalation.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressed condolences to victims and praised emergency crews for their efforts. In a statement on social media, Store noted his thoughts went out to the fire and rescue crews and volunteers who are taking part in the "very demanding extinguishing work" and doing all they can to prevent the fire from spreading.
The specific cause of the initial fire remains under investigation. Officials stated that while the dry conditions may have helped the blaze to spread quickly, they do not yet know what caused the fire. The incident highlights the challenges faced by emergency services in managing large-scale disasters under extreme weather conditions.
