In May 2024, a log house in Maikkula Oulu was heavily damaged in a fire started by a 62-year-old Ukrainian man. According to the newspaper Kaleva the Oulu District Court found him guilty of aggravated property damage but he was not given a prison sentence.
Published: 19/06/25 | 19:37
The court determined that the man was not criminally responsible at the time of the act due to his mental state. Despite avoiding punishment he has been ordered to pay around 250,000 euros in compensation. The payments will go to various affected parties including residents, property owners, the housing association and an insurance provider. The compensation covers losses such as destroyed belongings, emotional distress, temporary housing expenses and rental income lost due to the fire.
Although the man confessed to starting the fire during the court proceedings in the autumn he denied that his actions amounted to arson. He explained that he was experiencing suicidal thoughts and serious mental health issues when the incident occurred and that he did not intend to harm others or cause extensive damage.
The ruling is not yet legally binding and may be appealed to a higher court.
The fire completely destroyed both the man’s apartment and the one adjacent to it. Several other units in the building also sustained varying degrees of damage. Video Credits: Yle
