Cause of fire unclear More than 100 houses destroyed in fire in Norway

More than 100 homes were destroyed in a fire near the city of Drammen in southern Norway, according to reports from local emergency services. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and authorities have yet to determine the exact location where the fire started. The incident unfolded shortly after 3 p.m. local time, when smoke began to rise heavily over the area, which lies approximately 50 kilometers west of Oslo. Emergency crews responded swiftly to the alarm, with firefighters working against strong winds to contain the flames. At least 60 firefighters were deployed initially, and additional personnel from neighboring regions were en route to assist. Several aerial firefighting helicopters were also used to drop water over the affected areas, helping to reduce the intensity of the fire. Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the fire spread through a residential neighborhood consisting largely of row houses. According to the news agency Ansa, the evacuation was carried out by police forces while the fire continued to expand into surrounding forested areas. Initial reports did not mention casualties, though the situation remained volatile due to the rapid spread of the flames. The fire broke out in a densely populated residential zone, with thick black smoke quickly engulfing the area. Firefighters faced challenges in controlling the blaze due to the wind conditions, which exacerbated the spread of the fire. Despite their efforts, the destruction was extensive, with more than 100 buildings reduced to rubble. Authorities have confirmed that the origin of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Officials have stated that they are examining all possible causes, including both accidental and intentional factors. The region has been placed on high alert, with further assessments being conducted to evaluate the extent of damage and potential risks to nearby communities. Local officials have expressed concern over the scale of the disaster and its impact on the community. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, with additional resources being mobilized as needed. Residents who were evacuated have been directed to temporary shelters, and efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to those affected. As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging patience and cooperation from the public. They emphasize that determining the cause of the fire will take time, and that all available evidence will be carefully examined. Meanwhile, recovery operations are beginning to take shape, with teams working to assess the long-term implications of the disaster on the local infrastructure and environment.