Fire Severely Damages Medieval Porvoo Cathedral

Fire fighters have the blaze under control but mopping-up operations will take most of Monday, at least.

They believe that much of the interior has been saved, even though it is still difficult to estimate the damage done by smoke, ash, and the extreme heat. Extinguishing the fire was delicate work, because fire-fighters knew the interior beams and walls could have collapsed. They used light foam to smother the smouldering roof, because water might have been too heavy for the damaged interior roof.

Authorities say they don't know what started the fire, but they haven’t ruled out arson. Police say the fire started outside the cathedral, but don’t know exactly where. This is one reason the fire was able to take such a fierce hold, because the church’s smoke detectors only detect fires inside the building.

The oldest parts of the church date back to the 13th century, but most of the building was erected in the 1400’s. It contains a wealth of cultural and historical artefacts, and is one of Finland's best-known landmarks.