Massive Norway Wildfire Destroys Over 100 Homes, Hundreds Evacuated

A massive wildfire has destroyed more than 100 homes in the Norwegian city of Drammen, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as firefighters continue battling one of the country's worst blazes in years.

The fire broke out on Friday afternoon in a townhouse before rapidly spreading through nearby residential neighborhoods and surrounding forest, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds. Thick smoke blanketed the area, located around 50 kilometers west of Oslo, as flames engulfed homes.

According to local authorities, more than 400 residents have been evacuated to emergency shelters, while over 60 firefighters and multiple emergency crews have been deployed to contain the blaze.

Helicopters were initially used to drop water on the flames, but aerial operations were suspended overnight due to severe weather, including lightning and thunderstorms, leaving ground crews to continue firefighting efforts.

Emergency manager Inge Wergeland of the Drammen Region Fire Department said firefighters had not yet gained control of the wildfire.

"There is still fire in several forest areas that we will have to deal with throughout Saturday," Wergeland said. 

WATCH: Massive fire rips through homes in Drammen, Norway after residents report ‘explosions’ pic.twitter.com/UnHhNiJ0KR

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The blaze has left two civilians hospitalized for smoke inhalation, while one firefighter sustained injuries during rescue operations. Authorities have not reported any fatalities or missing persons, although residents said several pets were left behind during the rapid evacuation.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled their homes with little time to collect belongings.

"People had to just run. Cars, phones, wallets, and even pets were left behind," local resident Anthony Kidd said, adding that the fire spread with extraordinary speed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Drammen Mayor Kjell Arne Hermansen described the incident as "a disaster," saying the scale of destruction had shocked the community.

Emergency services from across the surrounding region have joined the response as efforts continue to prevent the wildfire from spreading further.