A fire chief working for the Satakunta rescue service is facing serious charges of arson after allegedly setting a building on fire in Kankaanpää in May 2024. According to reports from Satakunnan kansa, this incident is particularly unusual because it involves a fireman committing the act of arson. The prosecutor alleges that the accused took newspapers, starter materials, and a lighter from his own home to ignite a fire at the side entrance of a row house.

The accused reportedly returned to his home after igniting the fire, only to come back later to alert the residents of the row house. He instructed them to evacuate the premises, revealing an alarming act of negligence by a professional meant to protect others from fire hazards. In the investigation, he admitted to starting the fire, which led to extensive damage including structural issues, smoke, and water damage due to firefighting efforts.

Financial damages from the fire have been estimated at €190,000, leading the prosecutor to seek a significant penalty for the accused. This case has raised concerns about trust in emergency services and reflects the serious implications of a fire chief committing such a crime, emphasizing the need for scrutiny within safety agencies.