The fire in Drammen, which started on Friday afternoon, is under control in the residential area, the authorities announced at a press conference on Saturday evening. However, it is still burning in the surrounding terrain.
The fire is not under control, as it could flare up again, says Police Chief Geir Oustorp.
The police are investigating how the fire started and have interviewed several witnesses. However, they have not yet had the opportunity to conduct any technical examination.
"We have an idea of where it (the fire) started," says Oustorp without going into details.
Noticeably affected
Calle Varfjell, who represents the local fire service, was noticeably affected by the incident.
"It's tough. We really feel what's happened here. It touches us deeply," he said as his voice broke.
He describes the fire as “explosive.” There were likely several factors that allowed the fire to spread so quickly: heat, prolonged drought, dense construction and wind conditions. In addition, many of the homes had gas barbecue cylinders.
Even Kjell Arne Hermansen, chairman of the Drammen municipal board, had difficulty holding back tears when he talked about the meetings with those affected.
It is absolutely indescribable.
Some of the more than 400 residents who were evacuated will be allowed to return home soon, according to the authorities. It is already known that more than 100 homes have been destroyed in the fire.
The King sympathizes with those affected
Earlier on Saturday, the Norwegian crisis management authority DSB said the fire is "the largest registered fire of this kind" the authority has recorded in modern times.
On Saturday, King Harald also expressed his sympathy.
"My family and I feel for everyone who has lost their homes, and for the entire local community," he writes in a letter to the municipality.
Crown Prince Haakon will also visit the area on Sunday, the royal house said in a press release.
“Everything is gone”
Jonas Korani had just arrived home when he heard a strange noise on Friday afternoon.
"I thought maybe the neighbor was mowing the grass or something," he tells VG from a hotel room in Drammen.
When he looked out the window, he saw that the neighbor's house was on fire and ran out into the garden, trying to stop the fire from spreading - but it was too hot.
Everything is gone.
A firefighter has suffered minor burns. A member of the civil defence suffered smoke inhalation, but was able to leave the hospital. Eight police officers were also examined by medical personnel after inhaling smoke.
