Police halt investigation into Jokioinen bakery factory fire as suspect remains unknown

Finnish police have suspended the investigation into a fire that destroyed the Jokioinen Leipä bakery factory in February, citing an inability to identify the perpetrator, Yle reports.

The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of 8 February in Kanta-Häme, completely destroyed the production facility. Authorities continue to treat the fire as suspected arson, though no charges have been filed.

In a statement, Häme Police said the preliminary investigation had been discontinued but could be reopened if new evidence emerges. The case had been pursued as a potential act of criminal damage.

Following the fire, Jokioinen Leipä managing director Mikko Virtanen confirmed to Yle that the company had resolved financial and insurance matters related to the destroyed property. Demolition of the fire-damaged structure, including its foundations, was underway this week.

The incident marked the second time the bakery’s premises had been devastated by fire. In 2020, a separate blaze—also treated as suspicious—gutted the same facility, though no arrests were made in that case either.