Detached House Fire in Kotka Leaves Building Uninhabitable, One Person Hospitalised
A fire broke out in a detached house on Ylänkökatu in Kotka on Tuesday evening, leaving the building severely damaged and uninhabitable. The Kymenlaakso Rescue Department received an emergency call at 8:42 PM, prompting the dispatch of eight units to the scene.
According to the rescue department, five people were inside the house when the fire started. One individual was taken into emergency care after being assisted outside by emergency personnel (MTV Uutiset). Ilta-Sanomat reports that a medical helicopter was present at the scene, and an eyewitness observed part of the house’s wall being demolished during rescue operations. The rescue department later confirmed that all occupants had been brought to safety shortly before 9:00 PM.
Thick smoke was visible rising from the fire, and extinguishing efforts were expected to continue for several hours (Ilta-Sanomat). On-duty fire chief Juhana Kolppo told MTV Uutiset that part of the roof had to be dismantled during the operation, and smoke damage was extensive. The fire, which apparently started in the basement, was fully extinguished before 3 AM. However, the rescue service’s post-incident monitoring remained in place until approximately 8 AM.
The building has been deemed uninhabitable following the incident. Police are investigating the cause of the fire. The rescue department confirmed that the blaze did not pose a risk of spreading to neighbouring properties (Ilta-Sanomat).
