Stove embers blamed in Tampere cottage fire that killed young man
A young man died and two others were seriously injured after a cottage fire in Teisko on July 7, likely ignited by embers or a spark from the stove or chimney.
Investigators now believe embers or a spark from the stove or chimney most likely started the blaze that on July 7 killed a young man and seriously injured two others in a cottage in Teisko.
Three young men from outside Tampere had been staying at the cottage for two days, using the sauna and playing board games. Investigators found the stove had been used that evening, and the last person awake apparently went to sleep while embers or a fire remained in the stove.
A smoke-cartridge test showed leaks in the stove or chimney seal. Because the fire was so intense and parts of the building collapsed, investigators could not definitively say whether the flames began inside the structure or in nearby combustible material.
A neighbour called the rescue department at 4:20 a.m. after one of the survivors ran for help. Crews arrived about 20 minutes later to find the cottage fully alight.
There was no smoke alarm. Rescuers found no signs of initial firefighting.
One man escaped by breaking a window, another likely left through the front door, and the third was found dead inside.
Police probed a possible breach of rescue duties. Lead investigator Antti Uusipaikka said police will ask the prosecutor to close the case. Aamulehti first reported the investigation's conclusions.
Catch the full story over at YLE
