Historic Norwegian village up in flames

Scores of people have been evacuated from a heritage village in southern Norway as a raging fire threatens its unique wooden buildings.

Flames spread rapidly after the fire began overnight in a house in Laerdalsoyri, a village of 1,150 people in Laerdal, on Sognefjord fjord.

At least 90 people received hospital treatment but no deaths were reported.

Flames have burnt at least 30 buildings, fanned by strong winds, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reports.

Local farmers are helping the firefighters while emergency services wait for firefighting helicopters to arrive.

Police told Norwegian newspaper VG that a helicopter was being delayed because of suspected media drones taking pictures in the area.

"It is important for us to stress that if someone is using drones, they must be get them out of there," police spokesman Nils Erik Eggen said.

"This could create a hazardous situation and may pose a danger to helicopters."

The police could not say how many drones were operating in the area.

The Laerdal district contains a stave church and many other historic wooden buildings, hundreds of years old, much visited by tourists.