Over 500 Reports and 116 Homes Burned: Authorities Reveal the Course of the Disaster
Firefighters have brought a massive fire in Krokstadelva under control, but their work will continue for several more days. The blaze destroyed 116 homes, forced over 400 people to evacuate, and has been described as the largest fire of its kind in Norway's recent history. Police have named one person as a suspect, although there is currently no concrete evidence indicating a crime.
The fire has been called the largest in Norway's recent history.
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The situation is now under control. However, firefighters continue to monitor the neighborhood and the nearby forest, as high temperatures persist under the ruins. A helicopter remains on standby. The emergency services are extinguishing hotspots, securing the area, and checking for any new outbreaks of fire in the burned locations.
Fire Under Control: Firefighters Remain on Site
The fire broke out on Friday, July 17, in the afternoon in a row housing estate in Krokstadelva. The first emergency call was received at 3:35 p.m., and just a few minutes later, the brigade commander requested all available forces to be sent to the scene. The fire spread very quickly. When the first units from Drammen arrived, flames were already engulfing buildings on both sides of the road.
The operation was hampered by wind, high temperatures, and a prolonged drought. Firefighters also pointed to narrow streets, dense hedges, and gas cylinders near the houses, which caused the fire to spread to other parts of the estate. The flames also reached the forest. At the peak of the operation, about 150 firefighters from all over eastern Norway were involved, and helicopters dropped over 800,000 liters of water on the area.
The operation was hampered by wind, high temperatures, and a prolonged drought. Firefighters also pointed to narrow streets, dense hedges, and gas cylinders near the houses, which caused the fire to spread to other parts of the estate. The flames also reached the forest. At the peak of the operation, about 150 firefighters from all over eastern Norway were involved, and helicopters dropped over 800,000 liters of water on the area.
Wildfire Out of Control in Norway: More Than 100 Homes Destroyed
— Orla Joelsen (@OJoelsen) July 17, 2026
Six helicopters have been deployed to fight a major wildfire in Norway.
In the Norwegian town of Krokstadelva, located in Drammen Municipality, more than 100 homes have been destroyed by a large wildfire that… pic.twitter.com/eMTER2r51e
The Damage Is Enormous: Police Investigate the Cause
A total of 116 homes were completely destroyed in the fire. Over 400 people had to leave the endangered area, but no serious injuries or missing persons were reported. One firefighter was hospitalized with minor injuries. Another person required medical assistance due to mild smoke inhalation.
One person has been given suspect status. However, police emphasize that this is a procedural decision, which grants the person, among other things, the right to a defense attorney during questioning. At this time, there is no specific suspicion of a criminal act. Investigators have not yet conducted a full forensic examination, as the area remains hot and dangerous, but they are collecting photos and videos taken before the fire broke out.
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) described the event as the largest fire of its kind in modern times. The emergency center received over 500 reports on Friday and another 120 during the night from Friday to Saturday. Most concerned Krokstadelva.
One person has been given suspect status. However, police emphasize that this is a procedural decision, which grants the person, among other things, the right to a defense attorney during questioning. At this time, there is no specific suspicion of a criminal act. Investigators have not yet conducted a full forensic examination, as the area remains hot and dangerous, but they are collecting photos and videos taken before the fire broke out.
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) described the event as the largest fire of its kind in modern times. The emergency center received over 500 reports on Friday and another 120 during the night from Friday to Saturday. Most concerned Krokstadelva.
The Drammen authorities have secured 139 units that can be used as temporary housing for people who lost their homes. Residents are not yet allowed to return to the devastated area, and police warn against crossing tapes and fences. Entry into the ruins will only be possible once the area is declared safe.
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