Fire severely damages duplex in Pirkkala, quick actions of two girls praised by fire chief

A fire severely damaged half of a duplex in Pirkkala today, believed to have originated from an outdoor candle on the terrace of the neighboring unit. The owners’ recollections, burn marks, and witness accounts support this assumption, according to the duty fire chief.

The other half of the duplex experienced less damage, but firefighters had to dismantle parts of the roof structure to ensure the fire was completely extinguished, causing the residents of that unit to seek alternative accommodations. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

The first alert about the fire came from two ten-year-old girls. The fire chief praised their quick thinking. Upon noticing the blaze, the girls knocked on the door of the affected unit. As the fire escalated into a more dangerous situation, they called the homeowners. When it became clear that the owners were not inside, they ended the call and contacted emergency services.

The fire chief noted that such rational actions are impressive, even for adults, as many people panic in emergencies. The girls acted commendably in this circumstance. The fire department plans to recognize their bravery, as it has a tradition of celebrating individuals who display similar heroic behaviors with a small event featuring cake and medals.