Chargers likely caused Vantaa car workshop fire, police say

Police have ruled out criminal activity in the April fire that destroyed a car upholstery workshop in Vantaa, Yle reports. The fire most likely started with power tools and their chargers, which were plugged into the mains.

Eastern Uusimaa Police initially investigated the blaze as suspected arson after a burglar alarm on an upper door was triggered before the fire alarm. Police also received rumours that the building had been set alight as an act of revenge.

The investigation later established that the alarm was triggered by the fire itself. Its motion sensor reacted to flames and smoke. The burglar alarms protecting the building’s exterior had not gone off before the fire.

The workshop, Verhoomo Sorsa Oy, estimated that the fire caused about 15 million euros in damage. Fifty vehicles were completely destroyed and ten others were partially damaged.

The company began operating from temporary premises soon after the fire. According to chief executive Ilari Salonen, demolition work at the burned building is nearing completion, after which construction of a new hall is due to begin.

“The goal is to return to our own premises after next summer’s holidays,” Salonen said.