Fire is a hazard in wood churches . For instance in the Grue Church fire more than 100 persons died making it the biggest fire disaster recorded in Norway . Some fires have been intentional , notably the destruction of Åsane Old Church of the original Fantoft Stave Church – both later rebuilt as replicas . The original Meldal Church from 1651 burned down in 1981 and the new church copied the style of the original . In 2011 the Østre Porsgrunn Church , once one of Norway 's largest wooden churches , was completely destroyed by fire , and reconstruction versus modern church is an ongoing debate . Since 1980 more than 28 church buildings have been destroyed by fire , these were often rebuilt in fire proof brick or concrete
Grue Church fire
Grue Church fire
Churches in Norway