Two 17-year-olds helped emergency crews during a major fire in Drammen

Police say the blaze in Krokstadelva is Norway’s worst peacetime fire in a century. More than 100 residential units have burned, hundreds have been evacuated, and crews have not yet gained control.

Enes Jan Akhgar and Krisander Dahlman Iversen, both 17, spent Friday afternoon distributing water, fruit and chocolate to firefighters and displaced residents.

“It’s tragic,” Iversen said. “It’s hard to see people lose their homes—families crying, elderly people struggling with the shock. They’re losing places filled with thousands of memories.”

Police and fire commanders said the fire has spread into forested terrain, with strong winds and dry conditions hampering efforts. Over 100 firefighters and six helicopters from across Eastern Norway are on scene, supported by the Home Guard. A reception and information center has been set up for evacuees and relatives.

In a statement late Friday, police district operations chief Frode Presthus called the civilian support “moving.”

“We’ve received food and drink, and civilians have stood side by side with us, cheering us on,” he said. “It’s very encouraging to see.”