Fire breaks out in Oulu city centre restaurant

A fire has broken out in a restaurant in central Oulu, with firefighting operations currently underway, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle. Emergency services are advising the public to avoid the area to ensure safe firefighting conditions.

The blaze started in the kitchen of a restaurant on Rautatienkatu street on Tuesday morning. The North Ostrobothnia Rescue Department received an emergency call about a major building fire before 9 a.m., according to duty fire chief Samuli Ervasti.

Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary movement in the vicinity to allow firefighters to work without obstruction. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.