A fire has destroyed more than 100 residential buildings in the Krokstadelve residential area in the municipality of Drammen in southern Norway. More than 400 people have been evacuated. As of 19 July, there is no risk of the fire spreading to new homes, the police reported, although the fire has not yet been declared fully extinguished due to periodic flare-ups.
Briefly about the main points
- A fire destroyed more than 100 homes in Krokstadelvi.
- More than 400 people have been evacuated from the disaster area.
- Six helicopters continued to assist with the fire-fighting efforts.
- Two people were taken to hospital due to the smoke.
- The police are investigating the cause of the fire.
The fire spread due to the wind and dry weather
The fire broke out on Friday afternoon in one of the terraced houses on the outskirts of Drammen, about 34 kilometres from Oslo. The fire quickly spread past a number of residential buildings and moved towards the forest.
According to the emergency services, strong winds and exceptionally dry conditions contributed to the spread of the fire. Fire brigades from most of eastern Norway were called in to tackle the blaze.
Work is continuing despite there being no threat to the new buildings
On Sunday, the police reported that the fire crews had the situation well under control and that there was no risk of the fire spreading further. However, temperatures in the fire zone remain high, which is why new pockets of fire are breaking out from time to time.
In addition to the fire service, the Territorial Defence Forces, Civil Defence, volunteers and members of the public were called in to assist with the operation. Six firefighting helicopters continued to operate at the scene. This combination of forces is required not only for firefighting, but also for securing the perimeter and supporting those who have been evacuated.
There are people affected by the smoke
A member of the public and a Civil Defence Service officer were taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation. One firefighter sustained a minor injury, whilst eight police officers inhaled smoke during the evacuation.
The police have not received any reports of people missing. According to their information, no other serious injuries have been recorded.
Assistance for evacuees and an investigation into the cause
Minister for Justice and Emergency Preparedness Astri Aas-Hansen On 18 July, she visited Drammen together with Lars Jakob Gihim, Director of the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection. The following day, Crown Prince Haakon visited the area affected by the fire.
From Monday, a support centre staffed by medical professionals will be open at Stenseth School to provide psychosocial crisis support; the police will also be on hand to offer advice. The cause of the fire has not yet been established: the police are considering several possibilities, and a forensic examination of the site was due to begin next week.
