Two middle school-aged youths suspected in Tammisaari swimming hall fire

Two youths under the age of 15 are suspected of starting a fire that severely damaged the Tammisaari swimming hall in southern Finland over the weekend, police have confirmed.

According to a statement from Western Uusimaa Police, investigators determined through witness accounts and surveillance footage that the two minors had been in the facility’s restroom area just before the fire broke out. One of the youths admitted to handling fire in the restroom, which caused the blaze.

“Since the suspects are under 15, they will not face criminal penalties,” said Detective Inspector Mats Sjöholm. “However, the building suffered extensive damage, and liability for compensation remains, even if criminal responsibility does not apply.”

The fire destroyed the swimming hall’s restrooms and adjacent lobby area on Saturday, while smoke damage affected other parts of the building. The ventilation system was also severely damaged and may require full replacement. Firefighters had to extinguish lingering flames in the roof structure again on Sunday.

At the time of the fire, 25 people—20 of them visitors—were inside the building. All were safely evacuated, though three individuals were taken to hospital for exposure to smoke inhalation.

Police stated that while the sequence of events is clear, the investigation continues to clarify further details.