Fire investigation concludes in Maikkula, Oulu, Finland with suspect’s confession

Police have completed their preliminary investigation into a fire that occurred in the Maikkula district of Oulu in May. The authorities suspect that a 62-year-old man intentionally set his apartment ablaze and accelerated the fire using an accelerant. The investigation has been classified as a serious act of arson, as the flames spread to other apartments in the building, causing significant damage.

According to police, the man has confessed to the crime during the investigation. However, he stated that he was surprised by the fire’s spread to other units in the residential building. He claimed that his intent was not to harm others or damage their properties.

In a police statement, it was revealed that at the time of the blaze, small gas canisters, typically used for camping, were present in the man’s apartment. These canisters exploded due to the heat of the fire.

With the preliminary investigation now concluded, the case has been forwarded to the prosecutor for consideration of charges. The man, who has been in custody since May, remains in police detention as the legal process continues.