Vantaa police investigate suspected arson after unusual forest fire causes major damage

Police in eastern Uusimaa are appealing for witnesses after a suspicious fire in Vantaa’s Louhela district caused significant material damage on Thursday evening, Yle reports.

The blaze broke out in a wooded area between Norotie and Kaivokselantie roads. Authorities are particularly interested in accounts from anyone present between 17:20 and 17:30, though the broader window of 17:00–17:30 remains relevant.

“Several individuals were in the area at the time,” said lead investigator Kristian Westerlund, a detective chief inspector. “We urge them to come forward to assist the investigation.”

Westerlund declined to specify what burned, describing it only as a “structure” that sustained extensive damage. While investigators have not ruled out accident, they are treating the case as potential aggravated criminal damage—an offense carrying heavier penalties if proven deliberate.

“If this was intentional, it’s an extremely serious crime given the scale of the destruction,” Westerlund said. “Even if accidental, the severity of the damage would still classify it as aggravated due to negligence.”

Emergency services, including fire crews and police patrols, responded to the scene. The Central Uusimaa Rescue Department confirmed receiving an alert around 17:30 on Thursday.