On Saturday, a major fire erupted at Somerset House, a historic building in central London. The blaze, which began in the roof area of the Grade I-listed building, prompted an immediate and substantial response from the London Fire Brigade (LFB). Approximately 125 firefighters were deployed to the scene, utilizing 20 fire engines and advanced aerial ladders to combat the flames. The initial call was received at 11:59 a.m., and by early afternoon, the firefighters had managed to bring the fire under control, though they continued to work on site into the evening to ensure complete safety and to prevent further damage.
The fire primarily affected the west wing of Somerset House, which is largely comprised of office spaces and administrative areas. Notably, this section of the building did not house any of the priceless artworks from the Courtauld Gallery, which is a key component of Somerset House. There have been no reports of injuries among staff or visitors, and the Courtauld Gallery, home to masterpieces such as Édouard Manet’s "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère" and Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait, will resume operations on Sunday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. LFB Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster highlighted the challenges posed by the building’s age and design, which complicated the initial response. Despite these difficulties, firefighters successfully created fire breaks in the roof, which helped limit the spread of the blaze.
While parts of Somerset House will remain closed to the public, including the area directly affected by the fire, the safety of all individuals involved has been assured. Events planned for the venue, such as a break-dancing competition and other cultural celebrations, have been canceled as a precaution. The historical significance of Somerset House, which dates back to the 16th century, adds to the gravity of the situation. Originally built by Edward Seymour and later a seat of various governmental functions, the building’s preservation remains a priority.
The Somerset House Trust has expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency services and remains committed to collaborating with them to assess and repair any damage. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Somerset House can return to its role as a vital cultural and historical landmark for London.
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