UPDATED: Firefighters in Norway’s west coast city of Ålesund claimed to have a “good overview” of a brush fire that broke out in the hills behind the coastal destination popular with cruiseships. Nearly 300 residents remained under evacuation orders Wednesday evening.
They all live in a neighbourhood under the mountainside known as Sukkertoppen, and were forced to leave their homes from Tuesday afternoon. Strong winds in the area not only allowed the fire to spread but hindered helicopters from flying in the area and dumping water on the flames.
The winds eased on Wednesday, allowing one helicopter to operate, but there were still challenges with the gusts. Police were keeping people and drones away from the fire, the cause of which remained unclear. On Thursday morning came confirmation that residents could return, after fire-fighters finally gained control.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
