Firefighters battle blaze at London’s historic Somerset House

15 engines and 100 firefighters deployed as flames engulfed part of the building’s roof, with smoke visible citywide


Reuters August 17, 2024
Smoke rises due to a fire at Somerset House in London, Britain August 17, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS

Listen to article
LONDON:

Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were deployed to a fire at Somerset House in central London on Saturday, with clouds of black smoke visible across the city's skyline.

"Crews are tackling flames located in part of the building's roof," the London Fire Brigade said in a statement, adding that the cause of the blaze is not yet known.

Somerset House, located on the banks of the River Thames, was once a royal palace and is now an arts, cultural and entertainment centre.

The Courtauld Gallery, home to one of the world’s great art collections, is located in the building's North Wing.

The Somerset House site dates back to 1547.

Firefighters stand following a fire at Somerset House in London, Britain August 17, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS

Firefighters stand following a fire at Somerset House in London, Britain August 17, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ