Hundreds of fire extinguishers inspected in Siilinjärvi as 40-year-old device fails check

Hundreds of residents in Siilinjärvi, eastern Finland, brought their fire extinguishers for inspection this week, with some devices—including one over 40 years old—deemed unusable, reports Yle.

The annual inspection tour, organised by insurance company Lähi-Tapiola, has seen increased participation this year as an early spring has prompted people to begin cottage and boating activities sooner than usual. Originally aimed at farmers preparing machinery for the season, the event now draws summer cottage owners and boaters.

Fire extinguishers must be legally checked every one to two years, depending on storage conditions. Exposure to outdoor elements or vibration—such as in vehicles—can cause the extinguishing powder to compact, reducing effectiveness. Modern extinguishers have a 10-year lifespan; older models are directed to recycling.

“Outdated extinguishers can still be kept as backups, for example at cottages, but we cannot guarantee their functionality,” said inspector Pekka Airiainen. One participant, Eero Luostarinen, replaced his expired unit at the event, noting he maintains fire safety at his cottage, including a fire blanket and proper chimney sweeping.

Fire chief Risto Taskinen, who oversees the Tahkovuori area in Kuopio, advises scheduling chimney sweeps in spring when demand is lower. He also stresses clear address signs and ensuring access roads can support emergency vehicles.

The inspection tour continues across ten locations in Savo this April before moving to North Karelia in May.