A fire broke out in an old barn in Kangasniemi on Sunday. The building contained no animals at the time of the incident. Fire and smoke damage affected the structure, and stored lumber inside also suffered from the blaze.
Fire Chief Mikko Hakkarainen said the fire originated in an old refrigerator. Residents attempted initial firefighting measures, but the flames spread into the building's structure.
Emergency services received the alert for Makkolantie road just before 2:30 PM. Eight units responded initially, with first responders arriving before 3 PM. About six units ultimately participated in extinguishing operations.
Authorities successfully prevented the fire from spreading to a residential building located approximately twenty meters away. No injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel.
By 5:30 PM, rescue services confirmed firefighting operations had concluded. The incident highlights how even abandoned appliances in rural structures can pose serious fire risks.
Kangasniemi is a municipality in Finland's South Savonia region, characterized by its lakeside location and traditional agricultural buildings like the one involved in this fire.