Fire forces evacuation in Kemi as local authorities investigate suspected arson

Early Sunday morning, Briitta Hemmilä was forced to evacuate her home in Kemi due to a fire. Her daughter-in-law, Tuula Niskala, recounted how Hemmilä arrived at their home wearing a bathrobe and crocs shortly after 7 a.m. The fire almost completely destroyed a row house comprising twelve apartments, though Hemmilä’s unit emerged relatively unscathed, with her belongings appearing to be undamaged. “Her apartment was one of three that were spared from smoke and water damage,” Niskala reported.

Hemmilä expressed gratitude to a woman who knocked on her door to inform her about the fire, urging her to leave quickly. “I didn’t realize what was happening, so I just went to sit in the car and wondered what I would do next,” she said.

Efforts are underway to find Hemmilä new housing, but there are no immediate options available nearby. “I wouldn’t want to move far away since I want to be able to visit my husband at the care facility nearby,” she added.

The local housing foundation organized an information session for residents affected by the fire on Monday evening, as many neighboring residents are now without water and electricity. Jukka Vaaramaa, the chairman of the foundation, highlighted the gravity of the situation: “Lack of water, electricity, and district heating are significant issues, especially for hygiene.”

Currently, dozens are without basic utilities, making access to bathrooms and laundry impossible. The housing foundation has identified some facilities for emergency use, including a stairwell with shower access and portable toilets on the way.

Local authorities are investigating the fire as a suspected arson and have a suspect in custody. Police have yet to provide further details pending the completion of their investigation.