Fire deliberately set in Viitasaari apartment building, police seek suspects
A fire broke out in the stairwell of an apartment building in Viitasaari on Friday evening, causing severe damage and smoke affecting multiple apartments. Authorities suspect the blaze was deliberately set and are investigating the case as aggravated criminal mischief.
The emergency center received a report of the fire at 19:52 on Friday at Haapaniementie 15 (Iltalehti). According to the Central Finland Police, at least 16 people were inside the building at the time, but no injuries were reported. Residents followed rescue service instructions and remained in their apartments, which police credited with preventing harm (Helsingin Sanomat).
The stairwell sustained heavy damage, while the apartments suffered smoke damage. Social and crisis emergency services arranged overnight accommodation for the affected residents (Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti).
The police are treating the incident as aggravated criminal mischief, a charge applied when an act poses a serious danger to life or health for a large number of people. The potential penalty ranges from two to ten years in prison (Helsingin Sanomat).
Police seek witnesses and vehicle information
Authorities are requesting observations related to a light-colored Volvo V70 seen near the scene before the fire. The car, described as white or gray, was parked in front of the building, and several people were inside (Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti).
Two men exited the vehicle’s back seat before the fire. Both were approximately 180 centimeters tall. One had long hair and wore a light-colored T-shirt, while the other was dressed in dark clothing with light patterns (Helsingin Sanomat).
Witnesses are urged to submit information via email to vihjeet.sisa-suomi@poliisi.fi, with the subject line: "Viitasaari fire 10.7.2026" (Iltalehti).