Fire in Drammen: Over 100 Apartments Destroyed. Polish Community Helps Two Families
Over 100 residential units have been destroyed and more than 400 people had to leave their homes after a massive fire in Krokstadelva, Drammen municipality. There are no reports of fatalities or missing persons. The Polish community is organizing urgent assistance for two families who are currently staying in a hotel.
More than 400 people displaced
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In Brief
- The fire broke out on Friday, July 17th in Krokstadelva, Drammen municipality.
- More than 100 residential units were destroyed.
- Over 400 people have been registered as evacuated.
- Authorities have received no reports of fatalities or missing persons.
- Material aid for two families is ongoing. Collection points are located in Lier and Lørenskog.
The fire broke out on Friday, July 17th around 3:30 PM on Jupiterveien in Krokstadelva. The flames quickly spread from the row houses to other buildings, parked cars, and the nearby forest area.
Within a few hours, the number of destroyed units rose to over one hundred. Many residents had very little time to grab their children, pets, documents, and essential belongings.
The rapid spread of the fire was fueled by prolonged heat, dried vegetation, wind, steep terrain, and dense housing. Firefighters also faced difficulties in delivering enough water to the higher parts of the estate.
Six firefighting helicopters were used in the operation. The Civil Defense deployed people and equipment to the site, assisting with evacuation, securing roads, and delivering water for firefighting.
By Saturday morning, more than 400 people had been registered as evacuated. Some residents were placed in hotels, while others stayed with family or friends.
Drammen municipality opened a center for evacuees and their relatives at the Scandic Ambassadeur hotel. Previously, residents were directed to a collection point at Stenseth School.
For many families, the greatest challenge remains uncertainty. Not everyone knows yet whether their apartments survived, when they will be able to return to the estate, or how quickly they will receive assistance from insurers.
According to official statements, there is no information about missing persons or fatalities. One firefighter was slightly injured. There are also no reports of seriously injured residents.
On Saturday, the situation was calmer than on Friday evening. Rainfall and lower temperatures helped the rescue teams.
Authorities reported that there was no longer a direct threat of the fire spreading to other parts of the estate. However, the fire was not yet fully under control. Firefighters continued to battle hotspots in the forest and on the burned site.
Extinguishing and securing the area may take several days. Police are asking residents not to cross the barriers. The area is dangerous, and the presence of unauthorized people hinders emergency operations and subsequent investigations.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The fire in Krokstadelva is described as one of the largest residential fires in Norway's modern history. Norwegian media are also comparing it to the biggest such disasters of the past hundred years.
It is important to clarify that this does not concern over 100 separate single-family houses, but over 100 residential units, mainly in row houses.
The scale of the tragedy remains enormous. Hundreds of people have lost their homes or will not be able to return for a long time. The most important news is that, despite the rapid spread of the fire, there were no fatalities.
After the tragedy, a collection of items for two families was launched. Collection points are located in Lier and Lørenskog.
Lier and Lørenskog are the collection points. The fire occurred in Krokstadelva, Drammen municipality.
Exact addresses of the collection points are provided only via private messages. Before bringing items, please contact the organizers to check if the item is still needed.
Needs — Lier Point
- girl: clothes size 110/116, shoes 28,
- girl: clothes size 122/128, shoes 30/31,
- woman: clothes M/38, shoes 38,
- man: clothes size small XL.
Needs — Lørenskog Point
- clothes for a newborn and infant,
- crib,
- basic accessories for a child,
- women's and men's clothes in sizes M/L.
The families are currently staying in a hotel and have very little space. Organizers ask for only:
- clean,
- complete,
- undamaged,
- in the specified sizes,
- ready-to-use items.
The current collection runs until Sunday, July 19, 2026. On Monday, after the first arrangements with insurers, the organizers will provide information about further needs and possible additional collections.
People whose apartment, car, or belongings have been destroyed or damaged should:
- Report the damage to the insurer as soon as possible. You do not need to know the full value of the losses right away. The report can be supplemented later.
- Keep all receipts. This applies to accommodation, food, clothes, medicines, transport, and other urgent purchases.
- Prepare a list of lost items. Photos of the apartment, purchase confirmations, and bank statements may be helpful.
- Do not enter the closed area. Buildings may be unstable, smoky, or lack safe electrical installations.
- Follow police and Drammen municipality announcements. Entry rules and information for residents may change quickly.
- Notify your employer. It is advisable to immediately explain the lack of documents, work clothes, or the inability to commute.
After such a tragedy, many people want to help immediately. However, the most effective assistance is not about providing as many items as possible.
First, check the current list, contact the organizers, and then provide exactly what the families need.
In a few days, the situation may change. Instead of clothes, furniture, temporary housing equipment, transport, assistance with formalities, or financial support may be needed.
Do you know of other Polish families affected by the fire? Write to the MojaNorwegia editorial team. We will update information and help reach the Polish community.
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