Between 250 and 300 forest fires in southern Norway last week: report

Last week there were between 250 and 300 forest fires in southern Norway and the authorities still do not see an end of it, public broadcaster NRK reported Monday.

"We have never experienced so far this situation," said Anne Rygh Pedersen from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).

Although several places in southern Norway are expected to have rain this week, this will not be enough to change the situation, Rygh Pedersen said.

"The forest fire hazard will last until late summer," she added.

Hot weather and low rainfall during summer made areas with extreme drought easily flammable. At the same time there have been thunderstorms in several places since Thursday and lightning has been the cause of many forest fires, the report said.

Rygh Pedersen expressed fear that bigger and more serious fires may occur.