Around 100 firefighters are tackling a blaze at London’s famous Somerset House.
Smoke has been seen coming from the roof of the former stately home on The Strand in central London.
London Fire Brigade said: “Two of the brigade’s 32m ladders have been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond.
“The brigade’s control officers have taken over 10 calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 11.59am. Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known.”
Somerset House is now an arts venue and on Saturday was due to be hosting a day of breakdancing.
Concerns over ‘irreplaceable’ art collection
14:22
Athena Stavrou
Alan Robinson, 71, a Catholic priest who works nearby Somerset House and lives in Covent Garden, said he was worried about the “irreplaceable” art collection in the Courtauld Gallery.
The collection includes masterpieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
He told the PA news agency: “The Courtauld Gallery is in there, I have no idea what the value of the collection is, but it’s millions (of pounds) – irreplaceable stuff.”
A large poster of Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear was displayed on the railings, which is listed as a part of the Courtauld collection on the gallery’s website.
Plume of smoke seen from across River Thames
14:20
Athena Stavrou
Plumes of grey smoke can be seen from across the River Thames as a fire broke out at London’s Somerset House on Saturday.
Around 100 firefighters rushed to the arts centre after a blaze broke out in part of the buildings roof.
Smoke can be seen several streets away and videos on social media show clouds billowing over the River Thames nearby Waterloo Bridge.
15 fire engines deployed to Somerset House
14:08
Athena Stavrou
Around 100 firefighters are tackling a blaze in the roof on London’s Somerset House.
A spokesman said: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been deployed to a fire at Somerset House.
“Crews are tackling flames located in part of the building’s roof. Two of the brigade’s 32m ladders have been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations.
“The entire site at Somerset House is now closed to the public whilst we tackle the fire. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known.”
Fire wardens in high-vis jackets escorted people away from the venue carrying signs that said “fire assembly point”.
At least five London Fire Brigade vehicles were stationed outside the Somerset House arches on the Strand.
More fire engines could be seen inside the courtyard where thick smoke was visible.
Pictured: Somerset House on fire
13:57
Athena Stavrou
Somerset House issue statement
13:55
Athena Stavrou
Somerset House have issued a statement on the fire that has broken out on its premises.
The arts venue in central London was due to be hosting a day of breakdancing when the blaze began.
The former stately home wrote on X/Twitter: “Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building. All staff and public are safe and the site is closed.
“The London Fire Brigade arrived swiftly and we’re working very closely with them to control the spread of the fire.”
Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building.
— Somerset House (@SomersetHouse) August 17, 2024
All staff and public are safe and the site is closed. The London Fire Brigade arrived swiftly and we’re working very closely with them to control the spread of the fire.
Fire breaks out at Somerset House
13:48
Athena Stavrou
Around 100 firefighters are tackling a blaze at London’s famous Somerset House.
Smoke has been seen coming from the roof of the former stately home on The Strand in central London.
London Fire Brigade said: “Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been deployed to a fire at Somerset House.
“Two of the brigade’s 32m ladders have been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond.
“The brigade’s control officers have taken over 10 calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 11.59am. Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known.”
Somerset House is now an arts venue and on Saturday was due to be hosting a day of breakdancing.
