18.07.2026 17:30
A fire that started in a house in the southern Norwegian city of Drammen, population 100,000, turned into one of the country's largest disasters. The flames, which began in a single home and spread to forested areas and residential zones due to the wind, reduced over 100 houses to ashes and forced more than 400 people to evacuate. In this crisis, described by authorities as "the largest fire in modern history," the fact that no lives were lost offers some consolation, while efforts to control the raging flames continue.
A fire that started in a house in the city of Drammen in southern Norway quickly grew out of control and turned into a historic disaster. The flames, which spread rapidly in the city of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, completely reduced more than 100 homes to ashes and also spread to the forested area in the region. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection described this horror as "the biggest fire in modern history."
STARTED IN ONE HOUSE, SPREAD TO THE CITY
The disaster erupted when a fire broke out in a house in the city of Drammen, with a population of about 100,000, around 15:30 local time for an undetermined reason. The flames, fueled by the wind, quickly spread to surrounding buildings. Numerous fire crews and emergency teams were dispatched to the area upon notification, but the crisis escalated as the flames jumped to the forested area nearby as well as residential areas.
THE BIGGEST FIRE IN MODERN HISTORY
As the fire grew rapidly, authorities went on alert and swiftly evacuated more than 400 people from the area. While great panic ensued in the city, over 100 homes were completely burned and rendered unusable. In a statement by the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection, it was emphasized that the disaster was the "biggest fire in the country's modern history."
FLAMES NOT YET UNDER CONTROL
In a statement from the police force, it was noted that the only positive development was the absence of any reports of injuries or loss of life so far. Firefighting efforts, which began yesterday afternoon and continued into the next day, are ongoing at full speed. Despite the intensive intervention of the teams, it was reported that the flames have not yet been brought under control, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.