Firefighters bring fire at London’s Somerset House under control

LondonBritish firefighters are working to extinguish the “last traces” of the fire that broke out on Saturday on the roof of Somerset House, an arts centre in the heart of London.

Some 125 firefighters were called to the scene, the London Fire Brigade said on social media.

On the same network, the London arts centre said the building had closed its doors during the team’s intervention. “All staff and members of the public are safe,” it added.

Deputy Commissioner Keeley Foster said the building’s age and design “posed a challenge for crews in their initial response.”

“The teams are now working to extinguish the last outbreaks of fire,” he said.

“Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been dispatched to tackle the blaze at Somerset House. Crews are attempting to extinguish the fire located on part of the building’s roof,” London’s fire service previously wrote on X.

In images shared on social media, a thick column of smoke can be seen rising from the roof of the museum, a historic 1796 building located next to the River Thames.

Afp Photo

“Two 32-metre ladders have been sent to the scene” to assist in extinguishing the fire, the firefighters said, adding that “the cause of the fire is currently unknown.”

The brigade said it received the first alert call at around 12 noon.

Firefighters arrived “quickly and we worked closely with them to control the spread of the fire,” the museum said.

Somerset House became famous after appearing in several films, such as Love Actually (2003), two installments of the James Bond saga or the Tim Burton film Sleepy Hollow (1999).

The building was due to host a breakdancing event on Saturday, called “London Battle”.

Afp Photo

Collection with works by Van Gogh and Rubens

The fire occurred on the opposite side of the large Courtauld Gallery complex, which houses works such as Self-portrait with bandaged ear by Vincent van Gogh and The descent from the cross by Peter Paul Rubens.

The neoclassical building was rebuilt almost 250 years ago, after the original Somerset House was demolished after falling into disrepair.

The original palace was built in 1547 by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who was later executed at the Tower of London.

Queen Elizabeth I lived in the palace as a princess for five years before ascending to the throne.