Copenhagen, Denmark — The city of Copenhagen is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that consumed the Old Stock Exchange, a cherished 400-year-old landmark known as Børsen, leaving behind a skeleton of twisted scaffolding and a community in mourning.
The blaze, which erupted on Tuesday morning amid roof renovations, raged uncontrollably for hours, drawing comparisons to the 2019 Notre Dame fire in Paris. While the iconic 56-meter spire, adorned with four intertwined dragon tails, fell victim to the flames, emergency efforts focused on saving as much of the structure and its invaluable contents as possible.
Danish firefighters spent over a day battling the persistent flames, with the last pockets of fire being extinguished only yesterday. “A lot has disappeared in the fire,” said Tim Ole Simonsen from the Greater Copenhagen Fire Department, expressing concerns about the weakened stability of the building’s external walls, now compromised by the loss of their wooden structural support.
In an urgent response to prevent further deterioration, the fire department plans to position up to 40 shipping containers filled with concrete around the compromised walls to stabilize the remains of the building.
Amid the crisis, a remarkable rescue effort unfolded. Employees from the Danish Chamber of Commerce, which calls Børsen home, joined forces with police officers and military personnel in a desperate bid to salvage the building’s treasures. According to Morten Langager, the Chamber’s manager, these efforts saved many priceless items, including a significant painting by P.S. Krøyer, encapsulating the spirit and resilience of those facing the inferno.
As the community reels from the loss, vows to rebuild the historic site have echoed across Copenhagen. “No matter what, we will rebuild Børsen,” declared Chamber head Brian Mikkelsen, reflecting a sentiment of determination and hope. The cost of reconstruction is anticipated to be formidable, potentially running into billions of kroner, with a timeline that could extend a decade.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with police unable to access the building’s interior due to safety concerns. Brian Belling, the police officer leading the inquiry, cautioned that determining the fire’s origin could be a prolonged process.
The impact of the fire extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the Old Stock Exchange. Nearby ministries suffered smoke damage, prompting closures and remote work directives. “We have told them that they should expect to work at home for the rest of the week,” stated Rasmus Brandt Lassen from the Danish Building and Property Agency, highlighting the extensive cleanup and safety checks needed before normal operations can resume.
As Copenhagen confronts this calamity, the loss of Børsen resonates deeply within a city distinguished by its architectural heritage and storied past. Yet, in the face of devastation, the community’s resolve to restore a key piece of its historical and cultural identity remains unshaken, embodying the enduring spirit of a city famed for its resilience and beauty.
