Youth playing with matches causes row house fire in Oulainen – attempted to extinguish blaze with energy drink

A fire in a row house in Oulainen, Finland, was started by a youth playing with matches, with the group attempting to extinguish the flames by pouring energy drinks on them, reports public broadcaster Yle.

According to police, a child under 15 ignited a match and dropped it on the ground, causing the fire to spread through dry vegetation to an unoccupied section of the row house. The blaze damaged multiple apartments in the building.

Three children under 15 were present at the scene when the fire started. One admitted to lighting matches near the building. The group reportedly tried to stamp out the flames and douse them with energy drinks, but the fire continued to spread.

The youth responsible will face financial liability for the damages. While underage individuals in Finland cannot be held criminally responsible before the age of 15, police noted that civil compensation claims can still be pursued. Authorities may also intervene through child welfare measures.

Oulu Police Department reminded the public that playing with fire can quickly escalate into uncontrollable wildfires. Northern Ostrobothnia currently has a ground fire warning in effect due to extremely dry and flammable conditions. Police urged parents to discuss fire safety with their children.