The country’s biggest daily Helsingin Sanomat looks at how fireproof old wooden quarters in Finland are, following the devastating fire in Norway’s wooden Lærdalsøyri heritage village. In the densely built wooden parts of Porvoo, rescue services keep a close eye on fire safety, and inhabitants interviewed by HS also claim to be mindful of the risk.

In other main items, HS reports that recovery of Finnish industry is still a way off, and that the industrial sector can expect brisker growth once the economy revs up in the eurozone. According to Nordea analysts, industry profits contracted by 350 million euros in the last quarter of 2013 as compared with the previous year. HS also looks at potential new national parks, highlighting the urgency of legislation proposals for the parks so that the current parliament has time to consider these.

Tampere traffic safety needs improving

Aamulehti leads with a story on traffic safety in Tampere – and how this has dramatically deteriorated in the last year. While the number of accidents involving injuries decreased in other big Finnish cities, Tampere recorded 40 accidents more than in the previous year, with a steep increase in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. The long and dark autumn may go some way to explaining the increase. In other news, Tampere is planning to give up the Ihala camping area, calculating this would bring 200,000 euros savings. However, much more money has in recent years been invested in the nature area, which has great recreational value for many.

Aamulehti also carries a piece on Tampere rapper Tapani Kansalainen, who has a new record out. According to the young artist, Tampere has a good rap scene, with little divisions or prejudices between different subgenres.  

Rare species of frogs found in Kaarina?

Turun Sanomat headlines with frogs. A frog discovered in Kaarina is most likely a rare, protected species listed under the EU’s nature conservation directive. As such, building in the area could be compromised, as the EU directive lays out strict measures for protecting the amphibian. The final confirmation concerning the species awaits the completion of DNA studies. The results should be out by spring. Under frogs, TS places a story on Kaarina builder Helge Wilen, who has worked construction grounds over six decades. Unusual for builders, 68-year-old Wilen is retiring as a healthy man.

In ‘harder’ news, TS reports that details of the shipyard deal between the city of Rauma and STX Finland are complete, and this is to be signed on Tuesday. According to Rauma’s Mayor Kari Koski, plans for a new industrial park for the ship and metal industries in the old shipyard area has aroused lots of interest at home and abroad.