A major fire broke out at London’s historic Somerset House, prompting the deployment of around 125 firefighters who worked tirelessly to control the blaze.
The fire, which started in a “small part of the building” on the roof, sent smoke billowing over the River Thames, as seen in videos and images on social media.
Located along the River Thames, Somerset House is a renowned arts centre, home to artwork by masters such as Vincent van Gogh, Manet, and Cézanne. The London Fire Brigade dispatched 20 fire engines to the scene after receiving the first emergency call at 11:59 a.m. Crews from multiple stations responded to the incident, including Soho, Dowgate, and Islington. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Somerset House had planned to host a breakdancing event on Saturday, but the site was closed during the emergency response. Fortunately, all staff and visitors were safely evacuated.
In a statement, Somerset House confirmed the closure, emphasizing the London Fire Brigade’s swift response and collaboration in containing the fire. The blaze was concentrated in the building’s west wing, which houses offices and back-of-house facilities rather than art collections.
The Courtauld Gallery was not directly affected in the north wing of Somerset House, home to one of the world’s most prestigious art collections. Alan Robinson, a local Catholic priest, expressed concern for the “irreplaceable” artworks housed there.
The fire was first noticed around midday, leading to an immediate evacuation. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, confirmed that no artworks were located in the affected area and noted that firefighters were progressing in bringing the blaze under control.
Witnesses described the scene with a mix of concern and hope. Michelle Birkby, walking along the South Bank, initially mistook the smoke for a barbecue or event before realizing the gravity of the situation.
She expressed her concern for the historic building, a place she often visits, and hoped the damage would be minimal.
Somerset House, initially a royal palace dating back to 1547, remains a significant cultural and historical landmark in London. The full extent of the damage and the cause of the fire will likely be determined in the coming days.
