Finland Times

     The two-storeyed wooden building had been supposed to serve as a reception center and the first asylum seekers are to arrive next week.

     No casualties were found, as the building with eight apartments was empty when the fire broke out, said Finnish daily Iltalehti.

     The police told media that the fire was probably set intentionally, but stressed that the destruction of the building would not prevent asylum seekers from being accommodated in other facilities in the region.

     The apartment building constructed in 1948 was preserved as a unique destination by the Finnish National Board of Antiquities, according to Iltalehti.

     The fire has been brought under control, but the extinguishing work will continue through the whole day.