The fire was brought under control by 4 a.m., but crews remained onsite to handle smoldering remnants until morning.
Detective Inspector Sampsa Aukio from the East Uusimaa Police Department stated that preliminary evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness reports, suggests the fire was started by fireworks fired at the building. "The footage shows two young men shooting fireworks, one of which hit the daycare and caused the fire," Aukio said.
While the suspects have yet to be identified, police have clear images from security cameras and are urging the individuals to come forward. "It would be in everyone’s best interest if they voluntarily report to the authorities," Aukio added.
The fire has rendered the daycare, which serves around 100 children and is the only one in the Askisto area, unusable. Vantaa city officials announced that Kimara daycare’s operations will relocate to temporary facilities starting 7 January. Efforts are underway to secure appropriate spaces for the children and staff.
Built in 2001, Kimara daycare is a critical resource for local families. The disruption has caused concerns among parents, who have been updated on the temporary arrangements.
The incident has sparked calls for stricter safety measures and public awareness regarding fireworks. Mika Gröndahl of the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK) emphasized the dangers of using fireworks near buildings, noting that even small rockets can ignite severe fires.
“Fireworks can behave unpredictably. When combined with flammable materials, the results can be catastrophic,” Gröndahl said.
Authorities reminded the public to exercise caution, particularly near residential areas or large structures, and reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during festive celebrations.
The police are investigating the fire as aggravated vandalism but have not ruled out reclassifying it based on further findings. The financial cost of the damage has not been fully assessed, but officials described it as significant.
Fire damage to one end of the daycare required parts of the structure to be demolished during firefighting efforts. Although firefighters successfully contained the flames to one side, the entire building suffered from smoke and water damage.
The fire has drawn widespread attention and concern from the local community. Many residents expressed frustration over the recklessness of fireworks misuse, especially near critical public infrastructure.
The investigation is ongoing, with police appealing to the public for information. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact the East Uusimaa Police Department.
HT
