UPDATED: Forest fire warnings have been posted for weeks all over Southern Norway, after a long period of sunshine and little if any rain or snow. On Friday, though, a fire broke out in the Nordmarka portion of Oslo’s own forests just north of downtown.
The fire started in the area known as Ringeriksflakka not far from Tryvann, one of the Norwegian capital’s most popular recreational areas for skiing in winter and walking in summer. Campfires haven’t been allowed in any forest areas since mid-April. The cause of Friday’s fire remained unclear.
Jørgen Lie of the Oslo Fire Department told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) around 1pm that it would take two to three more hours to extinguish the blaze, but they were trying to gain control with the help of helicopters. “It’s still burning and spreading both west and east,” Lie said. There was also a lot of wind in the area and difficult terrain. Firefighters ended up struggling with the blaze until around 6pm, when they could finally claim it was under control.
Most of Norway has been basking in unseasonably warm weather this week, with temperatures as high as 20C. Cooler weather was in the forecast, but still no rain.
newsinenglish.no staff
