A fire that erupted at London’s historic Somerset House on Saturday was brought under control by firefighters, with no damage to the priceless artworks housed within, including paintings by Van Gogh and Monet. The blaze, which started in the roof space of the western wing, presented a significant challenge for the 125 firefighters and 20 engines who worked to extinguish the flames.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the fire was brought under control before 7:00 pm (1800 GMT). “The fire at #SomersetHouse is now under control and investigations into the cause will begin,” the brigade announced on social media. Crews will remain on scene into the following day to carry out further operations.
Somerset House, a neoclassical cultural complex stretching along the Thames River, was hosting a breakdancing competition when the fire broke out. The blaze prompted dozens of calls to the fire department as smoke billowed above the building. “The fire was located in part of the building’s roof space,” Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster told reporters from outside the landmark. “The age and design of the building proved a challenge for crews as they initially responded.”
The fire brigade confirmed that there were no reports of injuries, as staff and visitors had evacuated the building before firefighters arrived. Somerset House, which housed Queen Elizabeth I before her coronation in 1558 and Anne of Denmark, announced on its website that it would remain closed until further notice.
The landmark cultural complex is home to a range of creative businesses and arts spaces, including the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery, which holds Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear’ among its collection of masterpieces, confirmed that it had not been directly impacted by the fire and would remain open.
Footage captured from central London showed thick plumes of smoke rising above the building, which spans approximately 180 meters along the banks of the River Thames. Somerset House is known for its courtyard, which hosts music gigs in the summer and a popular ice rink in the winter. It has also been featured in several films, including ‘Love Actually’ (2003), ‘The Duchess’ (2008), ‘Sleepy Hollow’ (1999), and two James Bond films.
Assistant Commissioner Foster praised the firefighters’ efforts, stating, “Crews have been working incredibly hard through the very hot weather and heat of the fire to protect Somerset House from further damage.”
