JUST IN: More than a hundred homes destroyed by violent fire
World News Update:
International observers are closely monitoring the latest developments as new information continues to emerge.
A violent wildfire destroyed more than 100 homes on Friday in Drammen, a town located about 40 kilometers southwest of Oslo, Norway.
The fire broke out in a residential house during the middle of the afternoon and spread rapidly due to the hot, dry weather conditions. “More than 100 homes were completely destroyed,” said Frode Presthus, head of police operations, during a press briefing reported by Norwegian media. He added that authorities were using drones to assess the full extent of the damage.
Several hundred residents were evacuated as the fire swept through the area. Police confirmed that one firefighter sustained minor injuries, while no residents have been reported missing.
By Friday evening, helicopters were still conducting aerial firefighting operations as emergency crews worked to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters also faced significant challenges with the local water supply.
Glenn Espen Kustner, head of Drammen’s emergency communications center, told the NTB news agency that around 60 firefighters had been deployed. However, he explained that the municipal water system was not designed to deliver the large volumes of water required to combat a fire of this scale. Water tanker trucks were therefore brought in to reinforce firefighting efforts.
The fire spread quickly because of the steep terrain, the close proximity of homes, and the large number of older wooden buildings in the affected neighborhood, many of which were difficult for firefighters to access.
During the afternoon, police urged residents in neighboring districts to remain indoors, close all doors and windows, and switch off their ventilation systems to reduce exposure to smoke.
Emergency services received the first report of the fire at approximately 3:40 p.m. local time (1:40 p.m. GMT). Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.
What Happens Next:
Experts suggest the long-term impact of these developments may become clearer as more information emerges.
Observers believe further developments could significantly shape the direction of this story in the near future.
Our editorial team will continue tracking this story as new reports become available.
Source: This article was originally published by 20Minutes – Actu Monde and adapted for our international English-speaking audience.
Read the original article here.