Helsinki apartment fire likely started by gas grill malfunction

A fast-spreading apartment fire in Helsinki’s Kalasatama district on Saturday likely began when a gas grill ignited unexpectedly, police said Monday.

Investigators suspect a technical fault in the grill may have caused the blaze, which quickly engulfed balcony furniture and spread to the building’s structure, rikoskomisario Tuomas Lindholm of the Helsinki Police Department told Yle. Two residents were in the apartment at the time—one on the balcony where the fire started.

The resident using the grill has been questioned on suspicion of endangering public safety, though charges may change as the investigation progresses. The man denies wrongdoing, stating he had followed safety procedures and that the grill was preheating without food when the fire erupted.

Attempts to extinguish the flames with water failed as the fire spread rapidly, forcing both residents to evacuate. Authorities are examining whether a gas leak or other technical failure occurred, as well as the role of the grill user’s actions.

The building remains uninhabitable due to extensive fire and water damage. A final determination on the fire’s cause is expected in weeks, with the full pre-trial investigation taking months. Helsinki’s rescue services are separately reviewing the fire’s rapid spread and the building’s fire safety measures.