Wildfire in Ålesund forces evacuation of 100 households

A fast-moving heathland fire in Ålesund, Norway, has prompted the evacuation of around 100 households, with residents describing the situation as “scary,” reports Dagbladet.

Vivian Aasen, a resident near the Sukkertoppen area, told the newspaper her family of four was ordered to leave as flames approached within 200 metres of their home. “It’s getting scary now. It feels unsettling,” she said. Police instructed evacuees to pack essentials like toiletries and clothing before relocating to safer areas.

The fire, first reported at 14:17 local time, began near Tueneset and rapidly spread toward Sukkertoppen and along the mountain ridge. By late afternoon, it had reached nearby forest areas, producing heavy smoke. Emergency services deployed all available firefighting resources from Ålesund and neighbouring municipalities, along with a firefighting helicopter and support from Norway’s Civil Defence.

Kjartan Molvær, the fire service’s operations leader, called it the worst terrain fire of his career but expressed hope of gaining control by evening. Ålesund municipality activated its crisis management team and urged the public to stay clear of the area. Local schools and sports facilities were closed as a precaution.

Strong winds have fueled the blaze, with residents reporting sudden gusts reigniting flames. “One moment it dies down, the next a wind gust flares it up again,” Aasen said. Her family planned to move their camper van to prevent smoke damage.

Mayor Håkon Lykkebø Strand (Progress Party) acknowledged the distressing sight of the mountain ablaze but stressed the importance of remaining calm. “It’s dramatic to see Sukkertoppen in flames, but the priority is letting firefighters work without disruption,” he said in a statement to Dagbladet.

No injuries have been reported, according to Møre og Romsdal police district.