Emergency services continue to battle the blaze as of Saturday, with authorities reporting two hospitalizations and ongoing efforts to contain the fire in nearby forest areas.
Scale of the Destruction in Krokstadelva
The fire was first reported at approximately 15:30 local time on Friday. By 20:00, VG reported that 100 homes were on fire after the flames spread to residential areas south of the initial outbreak. The fire also resulted in a forest fire further south, which emergency services have been working to encircle. The rapid spread of the fire left the local fire department under immense pressure. The fire department is very pressed by the situation in the area. It is burning in many units, and several row houses are in flames, said Glenn Espen Kustner, the fire department’s duty officer, to Dagbladet.
Residents described a chaotic scene. One resident told VG, We are losing everything we have, noting that the fire spread quickly from one row of houses to the other. Another man, whose sister lived in one of the affected row houses, told Dagbladet that the property was completely burnt and his sister had to leave everything behind, including her cats.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Containment
The firefighting effort is being described by local officials as physically exhausting. Police incident commander Frode Presthus noted that new personnel are constantly arriving from across the entire Östlandsområdet region. Many are starting to get tired and it is clear that the effort is demanding, Presthus said to VG. Despite the deployment of water-bombing helicopters—which were grounded during the night and sent up again early Saturday morning—and extensive ground support, the blaze remained uncontrolled through the night and into Saturday.
Two people have been hospitalized, including one individual working within the civil defense and one civilian. Additionally, eight police officers suffered from smoke inhalation during the evacuation process, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. No individuals have been reported missing. Kjell Arne Hermansen, municipal mayor in Drammen, confirmed that an evacuation center has been established, noting, This is a powerful fire and a significant number of residents are affected. The Red Cross has mobilized 35 people to assist evacuees.
Weather Conditions and Future Risks
The fire’s trajectory has been complicated by shifting weather conditions. While rain began to fall on Saturday morning—a development welcomed by crews—it brought new complications. Jan Rundtom, duty officer at the emergency alarm center for the Southeast region, told the Norwegian News Agency (NTB) that the weather system also brought lightning and thunder. Rain, lightning and thunder are on their way north. We are not so happy about lightning and thunder, but rain is good, Rundtom stated.
Concerns remain regarding the fire’s spread into the surrounding forest and toward the Solberglia care home. Early on Saturday morning, units arrived at the care home for potential evacuation, according to Drammen Live24. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has expressed his sympathy for those affected, stating in an email to NTB, My deepest sympathy goes to those who have been evacuated and everyone who has lost their homes. He further acknowledged the emergency personnel, stating, My thoughts also go to the firefighters and emergency services personnel and volunteers who are now participating in the very demanding extinguishing work and doing everything they can to prevent the fire from spreading further.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Casualties | 2 hospitalized; 8 police and 1 firefighter treated for smoke/minor injury |
| Homes Destroyed | Over 100 |
| Primary Location | Krokstadelva, Drammen |
| Status | Not under control; ongoing forest fire management |