Harpa, the new concert and conference center which is under construction by Reykjavík harbor, caught fire yesterday—for the second time this summer. All available firefighters were called to the scene but the fire proved to be minimal.
The Reykjavík Concert and Conference Center. Copyright: Icelandic Photo Agency.
Höskuldur Einarsson, divisional manager at the Capital Region Fire Department, said the first fire truck had arrived at the scene within minutes but by then employees had managed to put out most of the fire with fire extinguishers on site, Morgunbladid reports.
A lot of smoke extended from Harpa while the fire raged. It is believed to have started when a spark from a welding machine was carried onto a cover which hung around the building for wind cooling.
The cover burned up quickly, after which the fire spread to wooden pallets. Financial damages caused by the fire were minimal and no one was harmed.
Fear broke out among some construction workers who were on top of the building while the fire was raging. However, evacuation went smoothly.
Earlier this summer, insulation at the building’s entrance caught fire.
Click here to read more about the concert and conference center.
