Fire likely started in fridge, destroys flat in Nurmijärvi

A flat in a terraced house in Nurmijärvi was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning, reports Yle.

The fire, reported just before 7 a.m. on Sompiontie in the church village, is believed to have started in an old refrigerator, according to duty fire chief Tommi Leppioja of the Central Uusimaa Rescue Department.

The resident was not home at the time. A neighbour noticed smoke and alerted authorities. Firefighters extinguished the blaze quickly.

Leppioja noted that refrigerator fires, though occasional, often result from poor ventilation causing the motor to overheat. He advised pulling the unit away from the wall periodically to vacuum the rear and ensure the top ventilation opening remains clear.

Other flats in the building sustained only minor smoke damage.