Jun 13, 2008, 16:24 GMT
Oslo - Norway was to deploy more helicopters and remained in contact with Sweden, Denmark and the European Union over assistance to combat a forest fire in southern Norway, Justice Minister Knut Storberget said Friday.
Storberget and Agriculture Minister Terje Riis-Johansen Friday visited the area where a massive blaze has raged for several days.
Storberget said 11 helicopters were to be deployed as of Friday evening to contain the fire, compared to the four that have been in use in recent days, Norwegian news agency NTB reported.
The blaze near the southern town of Arendal has raged for several days and local capacity was severely stretched since southern Norway has experienced several forest fires over a recent heatwave.
Strong winds and extremely dry conditions have hampered efforts to tackle the blaze by some 110 firefighters and the home guard.
Oslo was also considering offers from several European countries of special planes used to dump water over the fires, Storberget said.
Neighbouring Sweden was however not able to provide assistance since its resources were stretched after a series of forest fires due to very dry weather and a recent heatwave.
Norwegian firefighters and rescue services said they were hoping for a downpour but the weather forecast has not suggested a change until Saturday, and there were also fears of lightning strikes, NTB said.
The fire has reportedly destroyed some 2,000 hectares, making it the country's largest since World War II.
Several holiday cabins have been evacuated but no people have been reported injured.
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