Somerset House Blaze: London Fire Brigade Battles Roof Fire
Nearly 100 firefighters are battling a fierce blaze at Somerset House, the iconic Grade I-listed building on the Strand in central London. Thick smoke has been seen billowing from the historic roof, threatening this major arts and cultural hub.
Rapid Response from London Fire Brigade
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) sprang into action after the first emergency call came through at 11:59 a.m. on Saturday. They dispatched 15 fire engines and crews from several stations, including Soho, Dowgate, and Islington.
Firefighters have focused their efforts on the roof area, deploying two of the brigade’s giant 32-metre ladders to tackle the flames head-on. The entire Somerset House site has been closed to the public, while traffic disruptions hit the surrounding roads as emergency teams work tirelessly.
Cause Unknown but No Injuries
The cause of the fire is still unclear. Somerset House posted on social media to reassure everyone that all staff and visitors are safe. They confirmed the fire broke out in a small part of the building, preventing any major casualties so far.
A Historic London Landmark Under Threat
Somerset House is steeped in history – once a royal palace and home to Queen Elizabeth I when she was a princess. The current structure dates back to 1775 and now houses the famous Courtauld Gallery, boasting artworks from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
The London Fire Brigade continues to fight the fire, working hard to stop it spreading further. They have urged Londoners to avoid the area while crews remain on scene battling the inferno.
