Fire destroys historic Isosannan sawmill in Pori, Finland

A fire at Porin Isosannan sawmill on Thursday destroyed a significant piece of Finnish industrial heritage. Constructed in 1922, the building was one of the last remaining landmarks from the era of steam sawmills, which played a critical role in Finland’s industrialization in the late 19th century. During this period, six steam sawmills were established in Pori alone, utilizing logs floated down the Kokemäenjoki river.

Olli Joukio, an architectural researcher at the Satakunta Museum, expressed his dismay upon learning of the fire early Thursday morning. He noted that Isosannan was one of the oldest steam sawmill sites left in Finland, alongside Pihlavan sawmill, and served as a vital remnant of Pori’s industrial history.

Currently, only two significant steam sawmills remain in Finland, located in Pihlava and Haukipudas, despite Isosannan having transitioned to electric operations.

The Isosannan sawmill building, located near downtown Pori, ceased operations in 1939 but continued to serve various industrial purposes, including housing a factory and a woodworking department until the late 1980s. In the 1990s, it functioned as a boat wintering facility and later fell into disrepair with reports of vandalism.

Authorities are now investigating the fire as a case of willful destruction. Despite being acknowledged for its historical significance and being under protection, these measures could not halt its demise. Joukio emphasized the importance of preserving historical landmarks for future generations, as large industrial buildings face challenges in finding new uses.