Fire in Vantaa apartment building likely caused by negligence, say police

Police suspect that a fire in a Vantaa apartment building on Sunday was caused by negligence, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The blaze, which started in a sauna, spread to a neighbouring unit overnight, forcing the evacuation of all residents in the stairwell.

The fire broke out in the evening in a building on Suvantopolku in the Myyrmäki district. Three people were taken to hospital, and three cats died in the incident. Two residents managed to escape the burning apartment, but the door was left open, filling the stairwell with smoke.

Detective Inspector Suvi Kukkonen of the Central Uusimaa Police confirmed that investigators have launched a probe under the charge of causing a public hazard. Kukkonen stated there is no indication the fire was set intentionally.

Police have not disclosed further details about the cause of ignition for investigative reasons. The fire later spread to an adjacent apartment through structural elements, continuing to smoulder overnight.

Two apartments were destroyed in the blaze, according to earlier reports.