The fire at the historic stock exchange in Copenhagen – the landmark of the Danish capital – is under control. Half of the fair has more or less burned down, fire manager Jakob Vedsted Andersen said Tuesday afternoon.
The follow-up work is still in progress, Anderesen said at a press conference. When the fire suddenly broke out in the morning, about 135 people had been deployed. The cause of the fire remained unclear.
According to the information, by mid-morning the fire had already destroyed about half of the huge building. “We are very aware of the risk of collapse,” says Frank Mikkelsen of the fire brigade. The part of the building closer to Parliament was particularly affected by heavy fire. The emergency services fought the flames for hours and were able to prevent the flames from spreading to the other part.
Reconstruction “certain”
“We have decided with our board that we will permanently rebuild the Børsen,” said Brian Mikkelsen, director of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, in connection with the devastating fire. The old stock exchange, where the Danish Chamber of Commerce is now located, which also owns the building, houses, among other things, a large art collection. Some of the works of art have been saved. The extent of the damage has not yet been determined.
Authorities said “supporting structures” and much of the historically valuable building had been set on fire. However, the entire building was not expected to collapse. The building’s world-famous spire had previously collapsed.
“Vital for Copenhagen”
Copenhagen Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen and the six specialized mayors pledged their support for the reconstruction of the historic fair on Tuesday. Everything possible will be done to support this, because “the building is simply vital to Copenhagen and the entire cultural history of Denmark,” according to a joint statement. The fair is not only an important part of Denmark’s entire cultural history. “The building represents so much more, not least quality craftsmanship and traditions. “All this is now on fire.” It is important for Copenhagen and all of Denmark that the 17th century building is rebuilt.
A 400-year-old Danish cultural heritage site is on fire, Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said. King Frederik X previously wrote in a message about a “sad sight”. The striking Dragon Peak, now collapsed, helped shape the cityscape and helped make Copenhagen the ‘City of Towers’. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was also appalled. “We now see terrible images. 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 brigade, police and everyone “who bravely fought the fire”.
landmark of the city
The building was completed in 1625 with a church tower. Copenhagen’s oldest building, built in the Dutch Renaissance style, is a tourist attraction. The 56-meter-high tower, depicting four intertwined dragon tails, is considered a landmark of the city. The building has not been used as a trade fair for some time. Nowadays the Chamber of Commerce is located here, which also owns the building. It is currently being restored and is therefore covered in scaffolding. The restoration was intended to correct an incorrect renovation of the building in the 19th century and restore the facade to its original appearance.
Source: Krone
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