Arson suspected in fire at Pori’s historic wooden district

A man has been detained on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out in a residential building in Pori’s Viides district, known for its wooden houses, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The suspect, a man of legal age, was taken into custody after contacting police on Wednesday afternoon and admitting to setting his own apartment on fire using flammable liquid, according to investigators. Police are examining his motive.

Emergency services responded to the blaze on Säveltäjänkatu street at around 3 PM. The fire caused significant damage to one apartment in a row house, but did not spread to neighbouring units. No injuries were reported, and the apartment was unoccupied at the time.

The Viides district, officially named Itätulli, is located near Pori’s city centre and is recognised for its traditional wooden architecture.