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FIRE

Pyromaniac policeman caught by colleagues

A Spanish Civil Guard policeman has been arrested by his colleagues for allegedly starting 19 forest fires in Madrid in July.

Published: 2 August 2013 13:48 CEST
Pyromaniac policeman caught by colleagues
Police investigations pointed towards the suspect on the basis of witness descriptions and the odd behaviour his colleagues picked up on. Photo: Miguel Riopa/AFP

Police investigations pointed towards the suspect on the basis of witness descriptions and the odd behaviour his colleagues picked up on during the forest fires period.

It remains unclear why the 30-year-old officer decided to cause 19 forest fires in the Madrid municipalities of Navas del Rey, Chapinería and Cadalso de los Vidrios.

According to a police statement, the suspect would light the blazes at times when the flames would spread faster through the woodlands.

Witnesses told Spain’s Civil Guard they spotted a man on a bike on Juy 17th riding through forest paths and starting up to four fires.

If found guilty, the officer faces a maximum five-year jail sentence and a fine of up to €216,000.

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FIRE

Situation ‘unstable’ at Copenhagen’s old stock exchange after fire

Three days after a fire which ravaged Copenhagen's historic former stock exchange broke out, emergency services said Friday that the situation was "unstable" due to equipment issues and a strong breeze.

Published: 19 April 2024 17:44 CEST
Situation 'unstable' at Copenhagen's old stock exchange after fire

In the morning, during work to dismantle the scaffolding surrounding the building, a crane’s cutters came loose for as of yet unknown reasons.

It is currently wedged between the scaffolding — put up for the renovation of the historic building that was ongoing — and what remains of the walls.

“It is affecting our efforts”, Tim Ole Simonsen, leader of the operation at the rescue services, told a press conference.

Coupled with the wind picking up, the incident, which has temporarily halted work on dismantling the scaffolding, has made the situation “unstable”.

“The wind is blowing harder and harder, and there are tarps over the scaffolding that can catch the wind,” Simonsen said.

He added that this increases the risks, in particular of further collapse of the burnt-out facade which started collapsing late Thursday afternoon.

Located close to the Christiansborg parliament and seat of government, the Borsen building was commissioned by King Christian IV and built between 1619 and 1640. It was the stock exchange until the 1970s.

The fire began Tuesday morning under the copper roof of the building, which was undergoing renovations ahead of its 400th anniversary.

The cause of the blaze was unknown and Copenhagen police said Wednesday that a major investigation had been launched.

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