Police in Helsinki said the investigation into the large apartment building fire in Kalasatama will continue for weeks as officers examine the cause of the blaze and possible criminal liability.
The fire broke out on Friday evening on Leonkatu in the Kalasatama district. Emergency services received reports shortly after 9pm that a balcony in an apartment block was on fire.
Police said the fire is suspected to have started from a small gas grill placed on a fourth-floor balcony.
Investigators are treating the case as causing general danger. One person is under suspicion.
Detective Chief Inspector Tuomas Lindholm said police have questioned the suspect, who denied committing an offence.
“The suspect says he attempted to grill safely,” Lindholm said in a statement.
According to police, the man told investigators the grill did not contain food when the fire started. He said he had switched it on shortly before to heat it for cooking.
Police said the suspect also attempted to extinguish the fire.
Investigators currently suspect gas leaked from the grill, which caused the blaze to spread rapidly.
Authorities said determining the exact ignition source will take weeks. The wider criminal investigation is expected to continue for months.
Police and rescue officials are carrying out technical examinations at the site. Investigators are also examining whether the grill contained a technical fault.
“The task of police is to determine criminal responsibility in the case,” Lindholm said.
He added that public discussion linked to fire safety issues falls under the responsibility of rescue authorities rather than police investigators.
Fire inspectors from Helsinki Rescue Department are examining the structure of the apartment building and issues linked to fire safety compliance.
HT