Norway’s Largest Modern Residential Fire Destroys Over 100 Homes, Forces Mass Evacuations

DRAMMEN: A massive fire that swept through a residential area in southern Norway has become the country’s largest residential blaze in modern history, destroying more than 100 homes and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate, authorities said on Saturday.

The fire broke out at around 3:30 p.m. on Friday in a townhouse in the city of Drammen, approximately 34 kilometers southwest of Oslo. Fueled by rapidly spreading flames, the blaze engulfed neighboring homes before extending into nearby forested areas, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

Firefighters continued battling the blaze into Saturday morning as efforts to bring the fire under control remained ongoing. More than 60 firefighters, supported by helicopters conducting water drops, were deployed to contain the flames, although adverse weather conditions complicated parts of the operation.

The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection described the incident as the largest residential fire of its kind in the country’s modern history. Norway’s public broadcaster NRK reported that hundreds of displaced residents sought shelter at evacuation centers established for those forced to flee their homes.

Police said no residents had been reported missing, and there were no immediate reports of fatalities. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.

The disaster has left widespread destruction across the affected neighborhood, highlighting the challenges faced by emergency services in containing rapidly spreading urban fires, particularly when they extend into surrounding woodland areas. Authorities are continuing damage assessments while providing assistance to displaced residents.