Krokstadelva Fire Controlled as Police Grant Suspect Status in Massive Blaze

Status of the Investigation and Suspect

As of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Sør-Øst Police District has confirmed that the investigation into the fire is ongoing. Police have formally granted one individual the status of a suspect. According to police attorney Nina Fladhus of the Sør-Øst Police District, this is a procedural step designed to ensure the person’s interests are protected, including the right to legal counsel during questioning.

Fladhus emphasized that this status does not mean the police have information regarding the cause of the fire or that a criminal act has been confirmed. She noted that the police have a working theory regarding where the fire started, but they do not yet have a basis to comment on the cause itself. It will take some time to get an answer to that, as, among other things, a number of forensic examinations must be carried out at the site, Fladhus told NRK. She further stated that while witness interviews are being conducted, the process is comprehensive and will take time.

The suspect is being represented by attorney Sara Marie Skjellstad. Skjellstad confirmed that her client was informed by police that the status was granted as part of a broad investigation to help police map out what occurred. Regarding her client’s condition, Skjellstad stated, Right now, my client is, I assume, like everyone else affected by the case: they are in shock. It is a very tragic event, so he is not doing very well.

In a separate development, police have requested assistance from Kripos, the Norwegian National Criminal Investigation Service. Helene Sandquist, an incident commander with the police, stated, We are asking for assistance from Kripos. This is a large crime scene that requires resources. Additionally, police are appealing to the public for any images or videos captured from a long distance between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, to help understand the sequence of events.

Firefighting Efforts and Site Security

Emergency crews spent five days working to contain the flames. On Tuesday, Kristin Grydeland, an information consultant for the Drammensregionens brannvesen, confirmed, We can now confirm that we have control over the site. The response effort has involved local fire departments, the Civil Defense, and the Norwegian Armed Forces.

While the blaze is under control, fire personnel remain active at the site and in the surrounding forest. A fire helicopter remains on standby, though it was not utilized on Tuesday. Because of the lingering high temperatures on the site, forensic technicians have not yet been able to begin their work. Officials have asked the public to respect the cordons surrounding the area for safety reasons. Authorities are also attempting to locate missing pets that fled into the nearby woods during the chaos, with Sandquist noting that cat traps have been set out to capture the animals.

Impact on Residents and Community Response

With the fire contained, the process of allowing residents to return home has begun. Operasjonsleder Ståle Olstad Fuglaas of the police stated that the work to return homes to residents is ongoing. Residents are being notified by the municipality as soon as their specific properties are deemed safe to re-enter.

During the emergency, Crown Prince Haakon visited the burnt-out area in Stenseth, Krokstadelva, to express his deep sympathy for those affected by the loss of more than 100 housing units.

Timeline of the Initial Response

The Drammensregionens brannvesen provided the following timeline for the initial response on Friday afternoon:

• 15:35:00: The first emergency call is received by the 110 dispatch center.
• 15:35:21: Alarm is raised for the watch crews in Mjøndalen and Drammen, as well as the incident commander.
• 15:37:14: Mjøndalen crews deploy.
• 15:37:37: Drammen crews deploy. While en route, the brigade chief observes the fire from the Øvre Sund bridge and immediately requests that all available personnel be called in.
• 15:38:12: The incident report is updated: Burning heavily in a row house with five units. No control over residents.
• 15:38:50: Further update: Burning heavily in a row house with five units. No control over residents. It is now burning in two units. Spreading heavily.
• 15:44:26: The first vehicle from Mjøndalen arrives at the site.
• 15:45:45: Mjøndalen crews begin extinguishing efforts.
• 15:52:39: The first vehicle from Drammen arrives at the site, reporting that the fire is burning heavily on both sides of the road.

Sources: NRK, Aftenposten.