A Finnish fireworks company received multiple safety warnings months before a major fire destroyed its storage facility. Safety inspectors identified nine corrective actions and two development suggestions during a February inspection. The company also experienced a smaller fire earlier this year when welding work ignited protective sheeting near the storage area.
The fireworks storage facility in Janakkala caught fire on Wednesday evening. Two people sustained injuries in the incident. Investigators suspect static electricity discharge may have caused the initial ignition.
Safety inspectors found the company's documentation needed urgent updates. Risk assessments had become outdated due to changes made to the storage area. Rescue plans and facility maps also required modernization. The company acknowledged these shortcomings and stated they have since improved their documentation practices.
Records showed staff had not participated in practical rescue drills. The company director confirmed they have now increased employee training and exercise frequency. Security camera monitoring also drew inspector concerns. The system focused too heavily on the main gate rather than monitoring the entire perimeter.
Finland's Safety and Chemicals Agency has opened an investigation into the fire. This marks the latest in a series of safety incidents involving Finnish fireworks companies in recent years. The Nordic country maintains strict pyrotechnics regulations following past accidents.
Fireworks safety remains particularly important in Finland where dark winter nights create high demand for pyrotechnic displays. The country balances tradition with safety concerns, especially around New Year celebrations. Companies handling explosives face regular inspections and must maintain current safety protocols.
International readers should note Finland's regulatory approach differs from many other countries. The Nordic nation employs proactive safety inspections rather than waiting for incidents to occur. This preventive model aims to identify risks before they materialize into accidents.
The recent fire raises questions about compliance follow-through. While inspectors identified problems months ago, the company still experienced a major incident. This suggests either corrective actions proved insufficient or new risks emerged between inspection and implementation.
Local residents expressed relief that injuries remained minimal given the explosive materials involved. The incident could prompt broader review of fireworks storage regulations across Nordic countries. Similar safety discussions have emerged in Sweden and Norway following industrial accidents.
The company continues cooperating with investigators while addressing remaining safety concerns. Their experience serves as a reminder that proper documentation and regular drills prove crucial when handling dangerous materials.