The fire raging in Drammen, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Oslo, is not under control at 10 p.m.
"It's clear it's a disaster," emergency leader Frode Presthus tells VG.
The police do not know for sure whether there are people in any of the more than 100 homes that have burned so far.
There have been no reports of injuries so far, Presthus says, according to NTB.
But we do not have 100 percent control over all homes, he adds, urging anyone who may be missing or unable to contact anyone to contact the police.
A man suffering from smoke inhalation has been taken to the emergency room with minor injuries. A firefighter has also been slightly injured and taken to hospital.
Water supply problems
The fire has also spread to the terrain. Among other things, several firefighting helicopters, at least 100 firefighters and civil defence are taking part in the extinguishing work, according to Drammens Tidene.
"We have problems with the water supply because there are fires on several fronts, but the civil defence is laying out hoses and pumps at several small lakes. We are doing the best we can," says Presthus.
At a press conference, Presthus says the wind is also causing problems. It is estimated that it could take all night to get the fire under control.
The big challenge right now is that the fire is flaring up in different places, says Presthus.
Explosions have also been heard in the area, and the public is asked to stay away.
Rescue services and police were alerted to the fire at 3:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., police warned that the fire was spreading south toward another residential area - and residents were urged to evacuate their homes, according to news agency NTB.
26-year-old Nicole Knudsen has her childhood home in the area that is burning.
"Everything is gone. It looks like a ghost town," she tells VG.
Lasse Spiel was forced to evacuate as the fire approached his home. He felt stress and fear.
"I thought about the people around me. They were actually very scared," he tells NTB.
Gathering point for those affected
The municipality is in contact with those affected and has set up a collection point.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has commented on the violent fire and sympathises with those affected:
"I feel deep sympathy for the evacuees and all those who have lost their homes," he said in a comment.
An earlier warning message from the authorities stated that "there is a risk of explosion and heavy smoke."
