Strong winds threaten to worsen Ålesund wildfire as rain subsides

Nearly 300 residents remain evacuated after a wildfire broke out in Ålesund’s Sukkertoppen area on Tuesday, with meteorologists warning that strengthening winds could hinder firefighting efforts, Dagbladet reports.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute forecasts that rain, which had helped contain the blaze overnight, will cease around 10 a.m. before returning in the evening. Meanwhile, winds are expected to intensify to a “stiff gale” of 14 meters per second by the afternoon, according to state meteorologist Charalampos Sarchosidis.

“Strong winds are bad news for a fire, as they spread flames more easily,” Sarchosidis told Dagbladet. “Fortunately, the earlier rain has been helpful.”

Fire crews battled difficult conditions overnight, with flames coming within 80 meters of homes on the area’s southern edge. Emergency operator Linn Haugen described the situation as “critical” due to steep terrain, darkness, and challenges in securing water supplies. Authorities took precautions to cool nearby houses amid reports of flying embers.

While the fire service reported progress by Wednesday morning—with no homes lost and improved control over the blaze—Ålesund’s schools and kindergartens remain closed as a precaution. Operations leader Tove Holst-Dyrnes of Møre og Romsdal police confirmed that firefighting helicopters are active and that recent rainfall has aided efforts.

Fire chief Sindre Egenes declined to comment on the impact of rising winds ahead of a scheduled 10:30 a.m. press briefing.