Feb 8 • 12:45 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Police suspect: 'Lighter play' ignited a large forest fire in Norway

A large forest fire broke out in Ørland, Norway, prompting the evacuation of 45 residents, with police suspecting that it was caused by 'playing with a lighter.'

In Ørland, Trøndelag County, Norway, a significant forest fire erupted on Saturday night, leading to the evacuation of 45 people as the flames threatened residential areas. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the fire rapidly intensified overnight, prompting evacuation efforts early Sunday morning, when the blaze approached homes located just about 100 meters from the fire area. The wildfire spans several kilometers along the mountainside, with at least one outbuilding and a garage confirmed destroyed by the flames.

Reports from Norwegian media outlets NRK and VG detailed the scale and urgency of the situation. According to the police, multiple smaller fires erupted in the area rather than a single large one, indicating a complex firefighting challenge. Authorities believe the fire was ignited by individuals 'playing with a lighter,' a cause that hints at potential negligence in fire safety practices. Efforts to combat the fire include the use of helicopters, which have been deployed effectively to suppress the flames.

Ørland's mayor, Hallgeir Grøntvedt, communicated a sense of cautious optimism, stating that while the situation is currently under control, the unpredictability of wildfires necessitates continuous monitoring. A crisis management group convened on Sunday to evaluate the circumstances, underlining the seriousness of the incident and the ongoing response efforts to mitigate any further spread and impact on local communities.

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