Forest fire in Agder remains uncontrolled as emergency services respond

Firefighters and civil defence units are battling a growing wildfire in Birkenes, Agder, which has expanded to roughly 75,000 square metres since it was first reported.

According to police estimates, the blaze initially covered an area of about 20,000 square metres but has since spread to approximately 500 metres by 150 metres. A firefighting helicopter is currently deployed, while the civil defence has been mobilised to assist in containment efforts.

Grunde Homme, duty officer at the emergency services control centre, told Dagbladet that the fire remains uncontrolled as of Tuesday evening. “We have not yet received confirmation that the fire is under control, but there is a significant presence of personnel on-site,” he said. Authorities have stated that no residential areas are currently at risk, though nearby power lines and a railway line have been identified as potential hazards.

Firefighters continue to monitor the situation as containment operations proceed.