Sweden is struggling to tackle a massive forest fire that has engulfed around 150 square kilometres.

Emergency services have been trying to contain the blaze that has already claimed the life of one person.

Around a thousand people have been evacuated from the affected area northwest of Stockholm. Unusually dry conditions and extreme heat are thought to have contributed to the size of the fire, which started last Thursday.

France and Italy have sent specially designed water dropping planes to help local fire fighters.