Fire gutted single-family home in Rovaniemi

A single-family home in Rovaniemi’s Viirinkangas district was destroyed by fire on Thursday evening, the Lapland Rescue Service reported.

The blaze was reported shortly after 18:00 and required an extended operation, according to on-duty fire chief Pekka Siivola. “The building has been completely destroyed and is being demolished,” he said. “Extinguishing work continues and final overhaul is expected to last until late tonight.”

The fire posed no risk of further spread, Siivola added. A hazard notice remains in effect because smoke containing harmful particles still lingers in the air. Residents are advised to stay indoors, keep doors, windows and ventilation closed, and await further instructions.

“Smoke levels have dropped significantly, but we are maintaining the warning until emissions cease,” Siivola said.