Danish Firefighters Work to Extinguish Fire That Gutted Historic 400-Year-Old Stock Exchange Building

Danish firefighters worked to extinguish the fire that gutted Copenhagen's 400-year-old stock exchange building. 

On Tuesday, a devastating fire consumed half of Copenhagen’s 400-year-old stock exchange building and toppled its distinctive 56-meter spire. Although the cause of the fire remains unclear, it is believed to have started on the roof during renovations.

Efforts to Salvage Priceless Artwork

No injuries were reported, and a community effort involving citizen volunteers, officials, and firefighters managed to salvage much of the building’s priceless artwork from the flames. Morten Langager, manager of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, expressed determination that the building should be restored despite the extensive damage.

Extensive Renovations and Rebuilding Plans

The building, known as the Boersen in Danish and dating back to 1615, was undergoing extensive renovations at the time of the fire. Detailed records of the structure's architecture, and photographs taken just days before the fire, are expected to aid in the rebuilding process. The cost of the reconstruction project is estimated to be in the millions, if not billions of kroner.

Similarities to Notre Dame Fire

Many in Denmark have drawn comparisons between Tuesday’s fire and the 2019 blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral, which destroyed the spire of the 800-year-old landmark. The restoration of Notre Dame is slated for completion this year. The extent of the damage to the Copenhagen stock exchange building caused by flames and water remains unknown.

Efforts to Secure Remaining Walls

The Greater Copenhagen Fire Department is working to secure the remaining outer walls of the building. Up to 40 shipping containers filled with concrete will be placed around the walls to stabilize them, with work expected to continue through the night.

Investigation and Recovery Efforts

Police have not yet been able to enter the burned part of the building to investigate the cause of the fire. Efforts to recover and clean nearby government offices, as well as the ventilation system, are also underway.

Community Efforts to Save Treasures

During the initial stages of the fire, passers-by, Chamber of Commerce staff, police officers, and members of an army unit rushed inside the building to save its treasures. A plan had been in place to save valuable items in a “worst-case” scenario.

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