The calls made to 911 as Stratford's Shakespeare Theatre burned down have been released, depicting desperation for help from those nearby.

A 911 center took 17 calls in less than a half-hour related to the fire that destroyed the theater during the early hours of Jan. 13. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

One call features a person asking for help, saying about the theater that "It's in flames!" Another has a person in shock, saying "Oh my god, no, there is so much history lost."

MORE: Stratford lawmakers push for state funding to rebuild Shakespeare Theatre | Arson not suspected in Shakespeare Theatre fire 

Some of the calls came from concerned residents who saw the fire from a distance, but did not know where it was coming from.

The Shakespeare Theatre was a national icon, with its stage hosting the likes of Katherine Hepburn and Christopher Plummer.

Since the complete loss of the building, local art lovers have discussed putting something new on the property such as an arts center or a new theater.