The fire at London’s Somerset House has been brought under control with the help of around 125 firefighters, who were deployed to battle the blaze at the historic venue, known for housing priceless works of art.
Somerset House posted on X that the site “will remain closed until further notice.” It said earlier that “all staff and public are safe.”
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster said the fire was located in the building’s roof and that the “age and design of the building proved to be a challenge” for the crew.
Foster said four of the Brigade’s aerial ladders were deployed, including a 64 meter turntable ladder, which is attached to a fire truck and can be raised to fight flames at higher locations.
“Crews have been working incredibly hard through the very hot weather and heat of the fire to protect Somerset House from further damage,” Foster said.
The cause of the fire is still not known, he added. There are no reports of injuries. The Brigade said the investigation into the fire will begin now that it has been contained.
“Crews will remain on scene into tomorrow, carrying out further operations,” The Brigade announced on X.
The Brigade said it sent crews after receiving a call just before noon local time, and that 20 fire engines had been deployed at the scene.
Videos posted on X showed fire on the roof of the building, with smoke billowing into the air over the River Thames.
The London Ambulance Service had asked people “to avoid the area if they can due to the high volume of smoke and local businesses to keep windows and doors shut.”
The venue was due to host a day of breakdancing on Saturday, but Somerset House said that event and others will no longer take place.
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The former stately home was the official residence of the Queen of England for much of the 17th century, but was gradually redeveloped over time as an arts venue and has hosted the Courtauld Institute of Art since 1989
The Courtauld Gallery is home to one of the U.K.’s most celebrated art collections, and includes paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, Édouard Manet and Paul Cézanne. The Somerset House said on X that the gallery “has not been directly impacted by the fire and it will remain open.”
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