A fire broke out Sunday morning at Helsinki's largest shopping mall, Itakeskus, around 10:15 local time. Police suspect arson after discovering accelerant residue near a clothing store. The fire triggered the sprinkler system and was extinguished by 11:00. No injuries were reported. The mall was evacuated with 2,000 people inside. Helsinki Police have detained a 27-year-old man in connection with the incident, which remains under investigation.
The fire's quick containment minimized damage, but the mall will stay closed for several hours to allow for a fire inspection. This is the second fire at Itakeskus in the last two years, raising concerns about security measures at the busy commercial hub. The mall is located in the Itakeskus district and is a popular destination for shoppers and visitors in the Finnish capital.
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire. The detained man's identity hasn't been released, and police haven't disclosed details about a possible motive. More information is expected later today as the investigation progresses. No additional details about the suspect or the accelerant used have been made available yet.