The fire brigade is trying all means to contain the inferno.Video: twitter
A devastating fire is currently raging in the small Norwegian town of Krokstadelva. According to the local police chief, around 100 residential units had already been destroyed by the flames shortly after 8 o’clock in the evening, and the surrounding forest was also burning.
July 17, 2026, 8:22 p.mJuly 17, 2026, 8:32 p.m
At 3:40 p.m., police first reported a fire in one of the many terraced houses in Krokstadelva, according to the local station DRM24 reported. According to the operations manager, the fire then spread to the surrounding residential units “in just a few minutes.” A firefighting helicopter was called out at 4:45 p.m. Nevertheless, the fire spread to the surrounding forest around half an hour later and caused several forest fires.
At least 80 firefighters, civil protection officers and police officers from surrounding regions were deployed to contain the flames. The number of firefighting helicopters has now increased to six, writes Aftenposten at 8.30 p.m. The thick smoke, which could also be seen in Oslo, 50 kilometers away, led to a ban on flights in the region.
The cause of the fire remains unclear. So far the police have not received any reports of personal injuries, but they do not know whether anyone is missing. According to the police chief, the fire continues to spread and the houses at risk have been evacuated.
According to eyewitnesses, several explosions were heard. The police warned the population: “Leave the area. Close doors, windows and ventilation shafts and switch off the ventilation if possible.” There would also be the possibility that toxic fumes would develop. The area was largely cordoned off.
According to media reports, several dozen people have lost their homes. The mayor confirmed that the city is taking all necessary measures to help those affected. It goes on to say that a crisis team has been called together. (cpf)