A major brushfire in the mountains around Trysil, a popular ski center in eastern Norway, was brought under control during the night but firefighters were still working to douse burning embers Friday morning. The fire set off new concerns about fire danger in southern Norway, and officials hoped that rain in the forecast would help.
The fire affected an area nearly a kilometer wide and six kilometers long, which firefighters called “relatively large.” They battled the blaze with helicopters and on the ground, but were hindered by the dry summer that left several creeks and ponds without water.
Several nearby holiday homes (hytter) were evacuated, but the owners of those who were present were allowed to move back late Thursday night.
Dry conditions all over southern Norway have raised new concerns about the danger of forest fires. Some communities, for example in Romerike northeast of Oslo, were advising against any campfires, also in designated areas, and may impose new restrictions if rains forecast over the weekend don’t lower the fire danger.
newsinenglish.no staff
