Story perspectives

Dramatic Drammen Fire Destroys 100+ Homes, Evacuates 400

7/19/2026

Summary

Firefighters Combat Blaze

A fire on July 17 in Drammen, Norway, destroyed more than 100 homes.
The blaze began at 3:30 p.m. in a row house and spread quickly because of strong winds and dry weather.
Over 400 residents were evacuated as flames reached forests, while 60+ firefighters and helicopters fought the fire.
Authorities reported firefighter suffered minor injuries, people were treated for smoke inhalation, no deaths occurred, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed condolences.

Summary

Norway Blaze

The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection said the blaze was the largest residential fire of its kind in modern Norwegian history.
Resident Finn Roine reported that one row of houses after another was engulfed in flames and that his daughter’s home was completely destroyed.
Red Cross worker Thomas Evjen told Reuters the fire spread rapidly because of unusually dry, hot weather in the days preceding the incident.

History

Historical Context

On 23 January 1904 a fire ignited at the Aalesund Preserving Co. factory on Ålesund’s island of Aspøya, and strong west winds swept flames through the wooden town centre, destroying nearly 850 houses and leaving about 10,000 residents homeless with only one fatality. International aid arrived, notably four German ships dispatched by Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the city was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style.

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Firefighters Combat Blaze

A fire on July 17 in Drammen, Norway, destroyed more than 100 homes.
The blaze began at 3:30 p.m. in a row house and spread quickly because of strong winds and dry weather.
Over 400 residents were evacuated as flames reached forests, while 60+ firefighters and helicopters fought the fire.
Authorities reported firefighter suffered minor injuries, people were treated for smoke inhalation, no deaths occurred, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed condolences.

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