Firefighters battle blaze at historic Somerset House in central London
Iain Hoey
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Somerset House blaze draws significant response from London fire brigade
About 125 firefighters responded to a blaze at Somerset House, a Grade I-listed building in central London, on Saturday, 17th August.
As reported by The Guardian, the London fire brigade (LFB) received an emergency call at 11:59am and dispatched 20 fire engines to the scene.
The fire was located on the third floor and roof of the building, with thick smoke visible from the structure.
LFB assistant commissioner Keeley Foster said the age and design of the building posed challenges for the firefighting efforts.
A combination of four aerial ladders, including a 64-metre turntable ladder, was deployed to help contain the fire.
Public safety measures taken as investigation begins
The LFB reported no injuries, and Somerset House staff and visitors were evacuated before the fire brigade arrived.
Assistant commissioner Keeley Foster said: “Crews have been working incredibly hard through the very hot weather and heat of the fire to protect Somerset House from further damage.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation.
Crews are expected to remain at the scene for further operations.
Somerset House takes safety precautions for staff and public
Parts of Somerset House will remain closed “until further notice,” a spokesperson said, while the Courtauld Gallery is expected to reopen on Sunday.
The gallery houses an extensive art collection, including works by Édouard Manet and Vincent van Gogh.
The director of Somerset House Trust, Jonathan Reekie, said the fire broke out in the west wing, which contains offices and back-of-house facilities but no artworks.
He added that the site was quickly evacuated, and the fire brigade arrived promptly.
Public reaction and cultural concerns
Eyewitnesses expressed concern for the safety of the building and its contents.
Dr Joe Kelly, who witnessed the fire from a nearby building, described the scene as “terrifying,” adding that the response by the fire brigade was swift.
Alan Robinson, a nearby resident and Catholic priest, shared his concern for the Courtauld Gallery’s art collection.
He noted that while the fire occurred away from the artworks, the collection remains irreplaceable.
A break-dancing event, the London Battle, scheduled to take place at Somerset House, was cancelled due to the fire.
The event was meant to celebrate the sport’s upcoming Olympic debut in Paris.
Firefighters battle blaze at historic Somerset House in central London: Summary
On 17th August, 125 firefighters responded to a fire at Somerset House in central London.
The fire was located in the roof and third floor of the Grade I-listed building.
There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The London fire brigade used aerial ladders to control the flames and prevent further damage.
Some parts of the venue remain closed, while the Courtauld Gallery is set to reopen.
No artworks were damaged.
The fire prompted the cancellation of a break-dancing event, part of the celebration of the sport’s Olympic debut.
