ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />At least 23 houses were razed by a fire that rapidly ripped through the village center of Laerdalsoyri, in Western Norway on Sunday.<br/> <br />Strong winds escalated the spread of the fire that broke out at 2154 (GMT) on Saturday (January 18).<br/> <br />The fire threatened a total of 161 protected houses in the oldest area of the village, but only one protected house was lost.<br/> <br />Despite reports of no casualties, around 50 people were treated for smoke-related illnesses.<br/> <br />Hundreds of Laerdalsoyri's residents are now awaiting permission to enter the affected area to check on their homes.<br/> <br />Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg is due to visit the affected area on Monday (January 20).
