Residents evacuated after fire damages apartment building in Malminkartano, Helsinki

Residents of a small apartment building in Malminkartano, Helsinki, have been evacuated due to a fire that broke out on Wednesday evening. The fire severely damaged a second-floor apartment at Juustenintie 3 and caused smoke damage to other units.

According to the Helsinki Fire Department, at least nine families have been forced to relocate temporarily due to the extent of the smoke damage. Firefighters needed to remove parts of the wall to ensure that the fire had not spread to the roof structure.

“The fire did not spread significantly beyond the one apartment. However, extinguishing water has flowed into the lower floors,” stated duty officer Toni Kannikoski from the Helsinki Fire Department.

The emergency services received the alarm shortly after 5 PM, and by 6:30 PM, the fire had been extinguished, though the volunteer fire brigade continued monitoring the site.

The police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.