AFPGray smoke clouds over Somerset House
NOS News•yesterday, 17:22•Modified yesterday, 21:21
The fire at the historic Somerset House in London has been almost extinguished. The last fires are being fought by the London Fire Brigade. More than a hundred firefighters and twenty fire engines were deployed. Somerset House will remain closed for the time being.
Somerset House is located in the heart of London on the River Thames and was built in its current form in the 18th century. Formerly used as a palace, it now serves as a centre for art, culture and entertainment. It houses works by painters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Manet.
The fire was in the roof, in a small part of the building. The museum director says there are “no valuable pieces” hanging there. The artworks were not in danger.
Somerset House has also been used as a film location for, among others, Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and the James Bond films GoldenEye in Tomorrow Never Dies.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. According to Sky News, a breakdancing event was scheduled for today. It has been cancelled. No injuries were reported.
