Cluttered balconies increase fire risks and hinder rescue efforts in Finnish apartments

Excessive storage on apartment balconies poses a serious fire hazard and can block critical escape routes, Helsinki’s rescue services warned Tuesday.

Balconies in multi-story buildings often serve as overflow storage for furniture, toys, cardboard boxes, and grills, significantly raising the fire load, said Timo Ustinov, a fire chief with the Helsinki Rescue Department. “In some cases, it feels like the balcony is just an extra storage room. Glazing extends its usability, turning it into a living space where sofas and other items pile up—all of which increases the fire risk.”

A cluttered balcony or apartment not only fuels fires but also obstructs movement during emergencies, complicating both evacuation and firefighting. Ustinov emphasized that balconies function as secondary escape routes if stairwells are filled with smoke or flames, or if a fire starts near the entrance.

Cooking equipment, grills, and candles remain common fire triggers, and Ustinov advised against storing items near stoves. Enclosed balconies may escalate dangers further, as fires trapped behind glass cause temperatures to rise faster than in open spaces. Cigarettes discarded in overflowing ashtrays on balconies have also sparked blazes.

Recent months have seen a notable rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, particularly in e-scooters, Ustinov noted, though precise statistics are not yet available. “From personal experience, battery-related fires have increased significantly, sometimes leading to severe blaze.”

While building associations are responsible for installing smoke detectors, residents must ensure they remain functional and report malfunctions immediately.