The fire that erupted at London’s historic Somerset House on Saturday, August 17, 2024, has been successfully brought under control after an intensive firefighting operation. The blaze, which started around midday in the roof of the west wing, prompted a massive response from the London Fire Brigade, with 125 firefighters and 25 fire engines deployed to the scene.Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster of the London Fire Brigade highlighted the challenges faced by the firefighters due to the building’s age and construction. ‘The age and construction of the building made it a challenging site for firefighters,’ Foster stated. The operation required the use of specialized equipment, including a 64-meter tall ladder, to access and combat the fire effectively.Despite the severity of the incident, there have been no reports of injuries, and the valuable art collection housed in the Courtauld Gallery remained unaffected. Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, expressed optimism about the outcome: ‘It’s too early to assess the condition of the building, but I’m optimistic that the damage will be minimal thanks to the efforts of the rescue teams’.The fire was contained to a section of the roof, with firefighters creating fire breaks to limit the spread of flames. While Somerset House will remain closed until further notice for assessment and any necessary repairs, the Courtauld Gallery is expected to reopen soon.The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and firefighters will remain on site to conduct further operations and determine the origin of the blaze. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in preserving historic and culturally significant buildings.
Key points
- The fire at Somerset House in London has been brought under control after a large-scale firefighting operation.
- No injuries were reported, and the valuable art collection in the Courtauld Gallery remained unaffected.
- The firefighting operation faced challenges due to the building’s age and construction, requiring specialized equipment.
- The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
