Fire under control

Copenhagen: Historic stock exchange half burnt down

(Bild: AP)

The fire in the historic stock exchange in Copenhagen - the landmark of the Danish capital - is under control. Half of the stock exchange has more or less burned down, said Jakob Vedsted Andersen, head of the fire department on Tuesday afternoon.

The extinguishing work was still ongoing, Anderesen said at a press conference. Around 135 people were involved in the fire, which broke out suddenly in the morning. The cause of the fire remains unclear.

According to the information provided, the fire had already engulfed around half of the huge building by mid-morning. "We are very aware of the risk of collapse," said Frank Mikkelsen from the fire department. The part of the building closer to the parliament was particularly affected by the intense fire. The emergency services battled the flames for hours and were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the other part.

Smoke still rises above the badly damaged building after the blaze.

(Bild: AP)

Reconstruction "in any case"
"We have decided with our board that we will definitely rebuild the Børsen," said Brian Mikkelsen, Managing Director of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, in connection with the devastating fire. The old stock exchange, which is now home to the Danish Chamber of Commerce, which also owns the building, houses a large art collection, among other things. Some of the works of art were saved. The extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

According to the authorities, "load-bearing structures" and a large part of the historically valuable building were burnt. Nevertheless, the entire building was not expected to collapse. The world-famous spire of the building had previously collapsed.

"Vital for Copenhagen"
Copenhagen's Lord Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen and the six mayors of the city pledged their support for the reconstruction of the historic stock exchange on Tuesday. They will do everything possible to support it, because "the building is simply vital for Copenhagen and the entire cultural history of Denmark", they said in a joint statement. The stock exchange is not only an important part of Denmark's overall cultural history. "The building represents so much more, not least craftsmanship and traditions. All of this is now on fire." It is important for Copenhagen and Denmark as a whole that the 17th century building is rebuilt.

A 400-year-old Danish cultural heritage is on fire, said Denmark's Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt. King Frederik X previously wrote in a statement of a "sad sight". The striking dragon spire, which has now collapsed, had helped shape the cityscape and helped define Copenhagen as the "City of Towers". Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also expressed her dismay. "The images we are seeing right now are terrible. A piece of Danish history in flames," the politician wrote on Instagram. The historic stock exchange is "one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings. A symbol of 400 years of business history in Denmark, irreplaceable cultural heritage," she said. At the same time, she thanked the fire department, police and everyone "who bravely fought the fire".

Landmark of the city
The building was completed in 1625 with a church tower. The oldest building in Copenhagen, built in the Dutch Renaissance style, is a tourist attraction. The 56 meter high tower, which depicts four intertwined dragon tails, is considered a landmark of the city. The building has not been used as a stock exchange for a long time. Today it houses the Chamber of Commerce, which also owns the building. It is currently being restored and is therefore covered in scaffolding. The restoration was intended to correct an improper renovation of the building in the 19th century and restore the façade to its original appearance.