A fire erupted at the historic Somerset House in central London on Saturday, August 17, 2024, prompting a massive response from emergency services. The blaze, which started on part of the building’s roof, led to the deployment of approximately 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines, including two 32-meter ladders to support the firefighting operations.Somerset House, a Grade I listed building dating back to 1547, is a cultural landmark stretching 180 meters along the River Thames. It houses important art collections, including the Courtauld Gallery, which features works by renowned artists such as Manet, Van Gogh, and Monet. The building has also been featured in several films, including ‘Love Actually’ and James Bond movies.Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, confirmed that the fire started in the West Wing, which contains mainly offices and utility rooms. He stated, ‘There are no artworks in that area,’ alleviating concerns about potential damage to the valuable art collection.The London Fire Brigade quickly responded to the incident, with firefighters working to control the spread of the fire. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Somerset House officials confirmed that ‘all staff and the public are safe’ and that the site has been closed due to the fire.The incident has caused significant disruptions to traffic in the surrounding area, with the London Ambulance Service advising people to avoid the vicinity due to heavy smoke development. The fire has prompted over 20 emergency calls, highlighting the visible impact of the blaze on the London skyline.This event marks a concerning moment for the historic building, which has survived several significant events in history, including the English Civil War and the Great Fire of London in 1666. As firefighters continue their efforts to extinguish the blaze, the extent of the damage to this important cultural and architectural landmark remains to be seen.
Key points
- A fire broke out at the historic Somerset House in London, prompting a response from 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines.
- The fire started in the West Wing, which contains offices and utility rooms, not affecting areas with artworks.
- All staff and visitors were safely evacuated, but the incident has caused significant traffic disruptions in central London.
- The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Contradictions👾Initial reports varied on the number of firefighters and fire engines deployed, ranging from 70 to 125 firefighters and 10 to 20 fire engines.
