Firefighters in Copenhagen continue to work on extinguishing a major fire that broke out at the historic stock exchange building. The fire started under the roof, causing about half of the building to be burned down. Surveillance cameras have been secured for investigation purposes. The Danish fire department worked throughout the night and expected the operation to continue until Thursday. The cause of the fire could take months to determine according to police reports. The blaze started on Tuesday under the copper roof of the 17th-century red-brick building and spread downwards, with massive flames and thick black smoke filling the sky. The distinctive tower of the 54-meter-high building collapsed onto the street, in front of shocked onlookers. The fire was brought under control in the afternoon, but half of the building was still engulfed in flames. Firefighters were still working to extinguish the fire in the burned part of the building, with only the outer walls remaining standing.
On Wednesday, approximately 40 containers measuring twelve meters each were set up to support the exterior walls of the building, as reported by Frank Trier Mikkelsen, spokesman for the Copenhagen emergency services. Firefighters also monitored the intact part of the building to prevent any potential flare-ups. The cause of the fire remained unknown, although construction work had been ongoing at the historic site. Investigations were conducted by the police, which were described as complex and could take several months to reach a conclusion. Witnesses have been interviewed and surveillance camera footage has been secured. However, access to the building itself for examination has not been possible yet.
The stock exchange building in central Copenhagen was commissioned by Danish King Christian IV and constructed between 1619 and 1640. It is one of the most well-known buildings in the city and housed the Copenhagen Stock Exchange until the late 1970s, later accommodating the Danish Chamber of Commerce and a large art collection. The majority of the art pieces were saved from the flames. The iconic tower spire, resembling a spindle made from the intertwined tails of four dragons, has been recovered, according to Brian Mikkelsen, head of the Chamber of Commerce. This was described as a glimmer of hope for the restoration of the building, with the spire set to adorn the skyline of Copenhagen once again.
Efforts to ensure the stability of the remaining walls of the building continued as firefighters worked to contain the remaining fire. The intricacies of the investigation into the cause of the fire, compounded by the need for extensive examination of the site, painted a challenging picture for the authorities. With the historic significance of the building and its cultural importance in Copenhagen, the impact of the fire and subsequent damage were felt deeply by the community. As the cleanup and investigation efforts carried on, the hope for restoration and preservation of the building’s heritage remained a priority. The ongoing tragedy of the fire at the historic stock exchange building served as a somber reminder of the fragility of architectural treasures and the dedication required to safeguard them for future generations.
