A massive fire near the city of Drammen in southern Norway has destroyed more than 100 homes, marking the largest residential fire in modern Norwegian history.

The fire started around 3:30 p.m. local time on Friday, July 18th, in a townhouse in Drammen. Firefighters faced strong winds and hot conditions as they battled to contain the blaze, continuing their efforts into Saturday morning.

Drammen's mayor, Kjell Arne Hermansen, described the event as "a terrible incident that affects all of Drammen." The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection confirmed on Saturday that this was the largest fire of its kind in modern times.

Hundreds of residents have evacuated, with many heading to an evacuation centre and others staying with friends or family, according to NRK.

Sources