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Large wildfire near Ålesund, Norway prompts evacuations

Accidents & disastersAccidents
Key Points
  • A wildfire started on Tuesday near Ålesund, Norway, leading to evacuations of hundreds of people.
  • No injuries or damage to houses have been reported, and the fire is said to be improving with rain.
  • Firefighting continues with helicopters, but the fire is reportedly not yet fully under control.

A large wildfire broke out on Tuesday afternoon on the mountain Sukkertoppen on the island of Hessa near Ålesund, Norway. Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes below the mountain, with 292 people reportedly still evacuated from the Skarbøvika area as of Wednesday morning. Schools and preschools in the municipality are closed due to smoke from the fire.

The fire was moving toward populated areas but has reportedly been extinguished, and the situation has turned positive with rain overnight helping. No injuries have been reported, and no houses are said to have been affected. Firefighting efforts continue on Wednesday with helicopters, but the fire is reportedly not yet under control, though residents say no visible flames are seen on the mountain.

Rescue services, civil defense, and police are on site monitoring the situation.

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UnconfirmedBased on 2 sources
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