A meat-processing factory at Siikalatva in Oulu was gutted in a fire that broke out on late Friday night, reported the national broadcaster Yle.

Firemen said the incident took place at the Kylmänen Food plant in Rantsila Village.

Vehicular movement at the nearby Route 4 remained suspended and people were asked to stay indoors due to the potentially dangerous smoke.

The Yle report said the building contains a large ammonia tank which is in danger of rupturing.

About 60 firemen with five fire trucks worked through the night to douse the flames on the exterior of the building – but because of the intensity of the blaze were unable to directly battle the fire inside it, fire chief Jouni Pummila told Yle.