The two-storey building of Kimara daycare suffered severe damage in a fire on New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2025, in Askisto, Vantaa. The rescue services received a report of the fire on Kimarantie shortly after midnight. The daycare in Askisto, Vantaa, sustained extensive damage in the blaze. LEHTIKUVA
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A large fire on New Year’s Eve severely damaged Kimara daycare in Vantaa’s Askisto area, forcing its operations to relocate and prompting an arson investigation. Authorities suspect fireworks caused the blaze, which destroyed one side of the building and left the other with significant smoke and water damage.
Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after midnight. By the time firefighters arrived, flames engulfed one end of the L-shaped building, reaching several meters high.
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 re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
