COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Authorities in Denmark announced on Tuesday that they are concluding their investigation into the catastrophic fire that severely damaged more than half of the historic Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, clarifying that there is no indication that the fire was intentionally set.

The police conducted comprehensive forensic analyses, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed numerous witnesses, but they could not establish the exact cause of the fire that affected the centuries-old structure, noted Brian Belling, the leading police officer overseeing the inquiry. “It has become clear that we have pursued all necessary investigative avenues without yielding definitive results in this case,” he stated, confirming that no individuals are facing charges connected to the incident.

The fire broke out in the early hours of April 16 and wreaked havoc on the 400-year-old building, which is a significant tourist attraction. The flames caused the building’s green copper roof and its renowned dragon-tail spire to collapse. Moreover, shortly after, a substantial portion of the outer wall gave way.

As the blaze rampaged through the building, members of the public, alongside emergency responders, bravely entered the structure to retrieve valuable artworks. Remarkably, around 90% of the cultural artifacts were salvaged from the flames.

It is believed that the fire originated in the roof area, which was under renovation and partially covered in scaffolding in preparation for a notable anniversary celebration set for 2024.

In a recent ceremony on September 24, King Frederik X of Denmark dedicated a “foundation stone” within a preserved section of a red brick wall that survived the devastating fire, signaling the start of a long-term reconstruction project.

The Denmark Chamber of Commerce, which owns the Old Stock Exchange, has committed to restoring this iconic landmark, which is celebrated for its remarkable Dutch Renaissance architectural style. The construction of the original structure commenced in 1615, and it officially opened its doors to the public in 1624.

The incident drew parallels to the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which also occurred in April, 2019, causing widespread dismay across the globe.