An investigation into a fire that broke out at the Kristiine Keskus shopping mall in Tallinn nearly two weeks ago is still ongoing, with officials making progress in determining the likely cause of the incident. The blaze, which occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 21, did not result in any injuries, but it caused significant damage to the mall.
According to Rescue Board spokesperson Siim Palu, the fire is believed to have started when an unknown combustible material entered the air intake vents of an industrial space heater in the storage room. Once ignited, this material was expelled from the space heater, leading to sparks that ignited nearby flammable materials, including furniture. The rapid spread of the fire prompted the evacuation of the entire mall by Rescue Board personnel, who also worked to extinguish the flames.
Initial concerns arose when two individuals were reported missing following the evacuation, but they were later found safe outside the complex. The first responders received notification of the fire at around 4:15 p.m., and the flames were visible from outside the warehouse where the fire originated. Fortunately, the fire did not spread beyond this location, thanks in part to the mall’s sprinkler system, which helped contain the blaze.
By 6 p.m., the fire was localized, and by 8 p.m., it was fully extinguished. Despite the intensity of the fire, no one required medical treatment, and the mall was able to reopen the following day. However, some stores near the site of the fire remained closed for a longer period as cleanup and repairs were carried out.
While the investigation has made progress in determining the likely cause of the fire, further details are still being clarified. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in commercial buildings and the swift response of emergency services in containing and extinguishing fires to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of occupants.
As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to the public. For the latest news and updates, follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about developments in this ongoing investigation.