Copenhagen, July 20 (dpa/GNA) – Norwegian police and fire officials issued a warning to residents on Monday, not to return to homes that remain standing, following a devastating wildfire south-west of Oslo.
Police operations commander, StĂĄle Fuglaas, told the Verdens Gang newspaper that a number of people had tried to break through police cordons. “We want to help everyone, but you must not put yourselves in danger,” he urged.
Firefighting operations in the affected district of Drammen could continue for up to ten more days, he said. Fire service commander Jan Erik Fevang told a press conference that firefighters remain active in the Krokstadelva neighbourhood in Drammen and in a nearby forest.
According to public broadcaster NRK, residents who are permitted to return home will be contacted directly by the authorities and escorted by emergency personnel. Firefighter Erik Smidsrød told Verdens Gang that crews extinguished eight to ten smaller fires overnight in the residential area and along the forest edge. “It looks better now than before,” he said. “But I wouldn’t say we have it under control,” he added.
The fire broke out on Friday afternoon and spread rapidly through rows of houses. According to the Drammens Tidende newspaper, 109 homes were completely destroyed, while another five are believed to be beyond saving.
Around 400 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Norway’s Directorate for Civil Protection described it as the worst fire of its kind in modern times.
Crown Prince Haakon visited Krokstadelva on Sunday to assess the damage. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities said the blaze spread with exceptional speed because of high temperatures, dry conditions, strong winds and the neighbourhood’s dense layout.
Local fire chief, Calle Varfjell, added that gas cylinders for barbecue grills stored in some homes, may have contributed to the fire’s intensity.
GNA