Firefighters gain control of Krokstadelva blaze as Kripos joins investigation

Firefighters declared control over the wildfire that has smouldered for two days in Krokstadelva, a district of Drammen, on Tuesday morning. The blaze has destroyed more than 100 residential units and forced the evacuation of over 400 people since it began on Friday.

Espen Berge, incident commander for the local fire brigade, told reporters shortly after 12:00 that crews now have the fire and surrounding woodland under control. “We have sufficient resources and do not fear further spread,” he said. Hot spots remain in the ground and will continue to burn for an extended period, he added.

Helicopter support has been scaled back to a single aircraft, while the Norwegian Civil Defence is supplying water to the area from Svarttjern reservoir. Civil Defence personnel have also assisted with ground operations.

The police, led by investigator Helene Sandquist, confirmed that the national bureau Kripos has joined the inquiry into the fire’s cause. Sandquist said no forensic examinations have been initiated so far because safety conditions must first be secured. “The images speak for themselves—this is a vast and complex scene that demands extensive resources,” she said.

Police reiterated their appeal for photographs or video footage taken between 13:00 and 16:00 on Friday, when the fire broke out. Authorities have begun allowing some evacuees to return home, though access remains restricted and anyone breaching cordons risks prosecution.