A balcony fire broke out in a Kuopio apartment building late Tuesday evening. The North Savo Rescue Department confirmed a passerby spotted flames on the second floor and alerted emergency services.
The witness then began warning residents throughout the building. One person inside the apartment woke to loud knocking at their door.
Fire officials determined a candle on the balcony had fallen onto a sofa below. The furniture then caught fire. Crews extinguished the blaze before it spread beyond the balcony.
Minor smoke damage occurred inside the unit. The resident escaped without injuries.
The rescue department received the emergency call for Kupio's Kauppakatu street just before midnight. Candles remain common in Nordic homes despite fire risks, particularly during dark winter months. This incident shows how quickly decorative items can become dangerous without proper safety measures.