People are now being evacuated from their homes in Swedish forest fire

According to Swedish authorities at least 25 people have been evacuated as a forest fire rages in southeastern Sweden. 50 firefighters, army personnel and five helicopters are trying to control the fire.

Authorities said Tuesday the fire near Sala, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of Stockholm, had been contained but wasn’t under control.

Firefighting crews are up against strong winds and dry conditions - Police estimate the fire covers an area of more than five square kilometers (two square miles).

The Greater Stockholm fire department, which is coordinating the efforts, said firefighters around Sweden have in the past days been extinguishing several fires in the countryside, where the vegetation is now described as "very dry".

Open fires have been banned in most of Sweden, and also in parts of Norway, Denmark and Germany.