Norway: Risk of forest fires in the south

Event

Orange alerts - the second-highest level - are in effect in southeastern Norway due to the risk of wildfires. As of Tuesday afternoon, July 24 (local time), the warnings are in place in the counties of Akerhus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Hedmark, Oppland, Oslo, Østfold, Telemark, Vest-Agder, and Vestfold. Lower yellow alerts are in effect in the southwestern counties of Hordaland, Rogaland, and Sogn og Fjordane.

Context

Major forest fires are raging in Sweden, Norway’s neighbor to the east. As of Tuesday the wildfires there had burned some 25,000 hectares (61,800 acres) amid dry conditions and an ongoing heatwave.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).