A large fire has broken out in a city near the Norwegian capital of Oslo, destroying over 100 homes.

Norwegian authorities stated that this is the largest fire to occur in recent times.

According to local authorities in Oslo, the fire began at a row house in Drammen, located about 40 km west of Oslo, on the afternoon of the 17th (local time) and spread to a densely populated residential area due to strong winds.

Local firefighting authorities mobilized firefighting helicopters and a large number of personnel to extinguish the blaze, but they were unable to contain the flames, ultimately leading to the destruction of homes.

As the fire spread to nearby forests, hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate.

No deaths or missing persons have been reported so far due to the fire, and it was reported that one firefighter sustained minor injuries during the suppression process.

Norway, located in Northern Europe, is usually cool even in the summer, but the heatwave that recently swept through Western Europe has also affected southern Norway, where Drammen is located.

Since last week, temperatures have soared above 30°C (86°F), and dry weather conditions have persisted, creating an environment prone to fires.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)