Technical fault suspected as cause of major Helsinki carport fire

A technical malfunction is the leading suspected cause of a fire that destroyed eight cars in a Helsinki carport over the Easter weekend, police have said.

The blaze broke out late Saturday night in the Roihuvuori district, where flames engulfed eight vehicles parked under the same shelter, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle. Several other cars suffered heat damage.

Investigators believe the fire originated in a single car belonging to a resident of the housing association, said Jari Korkalainen, the lead detective from Helsinki Police. Authorities have not confirmed whether the vehicle was electric.

Korkalainen added that it remains unclear if flammable materials were present at the scene. The exact cause is expected to be determined in the coming weeks.

Police have ruled out criminal activity in connection with the incident.