Arson attempt on store’s gas cylinder cabinet in Oulu ends with spray can explosion

A gas cylinder storage cabinet at a discount store in Oulu, northern Finland, was deliberately set on fire early Wednesday, though the situation was contained after a spray can exploded, according to emergency services.

The incident occurred at the Tokmanni store in Kaijonharju, where an unknown person ignited materials beneath the outdoor storage unit housing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle reports.

Duty fire chief Mikko Kivelä confirmed the fire was intentional but said the gas cylinders—stored in compliance with regulations—remained intact. A nearby aerosol can exploded in the flames, though no injuries or damage to the store building were reported.

“The danger was clear and deliberately caused, but fortunately no one outside was put at risk,” Kivelä said. A passerby noticed the fire around 4:30 AM, and firefighters arrived within five minutes of the alert.

Police are investigating the incident as arson. The fire caused minor damage to a shopping cart shelter and carts adjacent to the gas cabinet. Twelve emergency units initially responded, though most were stood down early.