Fire homes destroyed as fast-spreading fire devastates Krokstadelva

Drammensregionens brannvesen IKS said on Saturday that fire chief Torgeir Andersen lost his home in the blaze that tore through Krokstadelva, a neighborhood in Drammen.

“Many are facing a demanding and difficult time,” Andersen said in a statement released by the fire service. “At the same time, I want to extend a warm thank you to everyone who has contributed—and continues to contribute—to limiting the damage.”

More than 100 firefighters, six helicopters, and units from neighboring municipalities and agencies have fought the fire since it was reported at 15:39 on Friday. The blaze began in a single detached house around 15:00 and spread rapidly through a row of attached homes and into surrounding properties. By 18:30, 50 homes were affected; by 21:00, the number had reached 100.

Police chief for South-East Norway, Kathrine Stein, praised the cooperation among emergency services and volunteers. Assistance has come from fire stations in Drammen, Mjøndalen, Hokksund, Kongsberg, Asker, Bærum, Modum, and Oslo, as well as the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Civil Defence, and the Red Cross.

“In the face of great loss we also see the best in people,” the fire service said. “The care, solidarity, and willingness to help each other give hope in a very dark moment.”