Lightning likely destroyed 45-square-metre storage building on Iso Riihisaari

A 45-square-metre storage building on Iso Riihisaari in Mänttä‑Vilppula was completely destroyed by fire during a severe thunderstorm on Wednesday evening, YLE reports. Crews were ferried to the island on two rescue boats to tackle the blaze, the Pirkanmaa rescue department said. Neighbouring cottage owners raised the alarm, and authorities suspect a lightning strike ignited the fire during heavy evening thunder. The building was a total loss. Firefighting was completed at about 9:30 PM. The incident follows other recent lightning-related fires in the region, including a July lightning strike on the Tampere Orthodox Church that ignited a fire in the church tower.