Drammen suburb Krokstadelva fire destroys over 100 homes, 400 evacuated

A large residential fire broke out on Friday afternoon, July 17, 2026 in a row‑house area of Krokstadelva, Drammen, Norway. The blaze quickly spread to nearby houses and nearby forest, burning more than 100 homes and forcing the evacuation of around 400 residents. No fatalities were recorded, though a civilian, a civil‑defence volunteer and a firefighter suffered minor smoke‑inhalation injuries, and eight police officers required medical monitoring.

Fire‑fighting resources from across the region were deployed, including eight fire‑helicopters, dozens of fire crews, the army, civil defence and the Red Cross. The incident is being treated as a possible arson, with police investigating the origin. The operation is expected to continue for up to ten days, with water‑sprayers, drones and patrols monitoring hot spots.

The disaster, described as the worst residential fire in Norway in a century, prompted a visit by Crown Prince Haakon and a letter of support from King Harald. Local authorities have opened temporary shelters, allocated 139 emergency housing units, and are gradually clearing safe homes for re‑occupation. Community volunteers and charities have mobilised to provide assistance to displaced families.