(DailyDig.com) – On April 16, flames enveloped the Copenhagen stock exchange. The Danish city’s old 17th-century historic building had been undergoing renovation and was covered in plastic for protection from the elements and scaffolding for the workers. The fire started about 7:30 a.m., with the cause currently unknown and no injuries reported, according to the fire department of Copenhagen.
The building, one of the country’s oldest as it was built in 1625, is referred to as the “Old Stock Exchange” and named Børsen. The historic building has many legends about the protection that saved it from damage. One legend concerns the nearly 184-foot spire, shaped like four dragon tails intertwined, that protects Børsen from enemies and fire. The building has often, in its history, been saved from casualties when nearby buildings were on fire several times, according to the Danish Tourist website.
As the fire began in the area of the copper roof, it fell into the building as it spread. As the renovation involved replacing the roof, the scaffolding was located on the roof. Flames engulfed the spire, causing it to collapse into the building.
As firefighters and other first responders arrived, many rushed into the building, along with local citizens, to save paintings from the Renaissance era, historic furniture, and other art and treasures stored inside. A spokesman from the police department stated that the military was also involved in supporting the efforts of the firefighters.
The King of Denmark, Frederik X, released a statement saying that the Børsen fire was destructive, as evidenced by the smoke hovering over the cities’ rooftops. The building has always been an extraordinary landmark for Denmark’s capital for many generations. He added that they had always considered it a magnificent symbol that they had always claimed pride in.
Carsten Lundberg, a Chamber of Commerce staff member, told the media that there are no words to express their dismay at the loss of a building that survived for 400 years during times when fires burned much of the city.
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