Firefighters had to cut away a large portion of the building's roof to extinguish the fire on Tuesday. Officials are optimistic that damage is modest to the performance hall. (Herbert Knosowski/Associated Press)

Firefighters have completely extinguished a fire at the downtown home of the Berlin Philharmonic and the orchestra is already searching for a venue to continue its performances in the meantime, officials said Wednesday.

Authorities put out the fire late Tuesday, but crews were still on hand early Wednesday to scan for possible hot spots, according to Jens-Peter Wilke, a spokesman for the Berlin fire department.

More than 150 firefighters and more than 30 vehicles were employed to extinguish the flames.

To battle the blaze, firefighters were forced to tear about 1,600 square metres of roof from the tent-like building designed by Hans Scharoun.

"It was a large portion of the roof," Wilke said.

An investigation into the source of the fire is continuing, but some believe it may have been sparked by welding work conducted earlier Tuesday.

Cultural officials said they believe the main performance hall — renowned for its acoustics — sustained only minor water damage.

The fire broke out in the early afternoon, and no one was injured. Musicians working alongside firefighters were able to remove dozens of valuable instruments into a neighbouring building.

Even before the fire had been extinguished, orchestra staffers were working to find substitute performance locations so as to continue the Philharmonic's concert schedule, including major performances planned for this weekend.

"We will do everything we can to stick to the program," said Berlin culture official Andre Schmitz.

"The chance that the Philharmonic will be able to return quickly is very good."

With files from the Associated Press