Wildfire in Ålesund forces hundreds to evacuate as blaze spreads uncontrollably

A major wildfire burning at Sukkertoppen in Ålesund, Norway, has forced the evacuation of nearly 450 residents, with emergency services struggling to contain the blaze amid strong winds and difficult terrain, Dagbladet reports.

The fire began around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, and after 12 hours, firefighters still had no control over the situation. Strong winds and challenges in establishing a water supply have hampered containment efforts, according to local reports. Authorities are continuously assessing whether to expand evacuation orders to additional areas.

“Winds are making it difficult to predict how the fire will develop. It keeps changing in strength and direction, which we are monitoring closely,” Ragnvald Rasmussen, operations manager for Møre og Romsdal police, told Dagbladet.

Firefighters are currently working on the southern side of Sukkertoppen, avoiding the peak due to safety risks. Ålesund municipality has activated its crisis management team and urged the public to stay away from the area.

“The sight of Sukkertoppen in flames is dramatic for the people of Ålesund. But the most important thing is that everyone stays calm and lets emergency crews do their work,” Mayor Håkon Lykkebø Strand (Progress Party) said in a statement.

Evacuated residents are being directed to Scandic Parken Hotel, while local schools and sports facilities have closed due to the fire. The cause remains unknown, though a witness who alerted authorities described hearing a loud explosion before flames rapidly spread.