Massive Fire at Somerset House in London: 125 Firefighters Respond to Blaze
Smoke has been seen coming from the roof of the former stately home on The Strand in central London. London Fire Brigade said: “Two of the brigade’s 32m ladders have been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond. The brigade’s control officers have taken over 10 calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 11.59am. Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene. Somerset House is now an arts venue and on Saturday was due to be hosting a day of breakdancing.
Response of Emergency Services
Footage shows smoke billowing out of Somerset House. London Fire Brigade said 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were now helping to tackle the Somerset House blaze. The director of Somerset House Trust, Jonathan Reekie, confirmed that the fire broke out in the west wing of the building where there are no artworks. He mentioned that everyone was safe and the London Fire Brigade was doing their best to control the situation.
The London Ambulance Service has asked people to avoid the area if they can and advised local businesses to keep windows and doors shut “due to the high volume of smoke.” Local businesses have been told to keep their windows shut due to the high amount of smoke emanating from the fire. The fire alarm was still sounding as the director of the trust spoke on the edge of the cordon outside the Somerset House arches. Passers-by were watching the scene unfold as they sat nearby eating their lunches.
Concerns over Irreplaceable Art Collection
Alan Robinson, a Catholic priest who works near Somerset House, expressed concern about the “irreplaceable” art collection housed in the Courtauld Gallery within the building. The collection includes masterpieces from various periods, and its value is estimated to be in the millions. The priest fears for the safety of the collection as the fire rages on in the west wing of the building.
Somerset House is a registered charity that aims to enhance public education through the provision of a center for the arts. The trust was established in 1997 to maintain the buildings for the benefit of the local and international community. It houses a creative community of innovative businesses and social enterprises that contribute to the vibrancy of the site.
Impact on the Community
The fire at Somerset House has caused concern among the local community and art enthusiasts. The Courtauld Gallery, known for its priceless art collection, is located within the building, raising worries about the safety of these irreplaceable works. The London Fire Brigade’s swift response and efforts to contain the fire have been crucial in mitigating the damage to the historic site.
The plume of smoke from the fire at Somerset House was visible from across the River Thames, attracting the attention of onlookers and passersby. The blaze on the art center’s roof prompted a rapid response from emergency services, with around 100 firefighters rushing to the scene to tackle the flames. Videos on social media captured the billowing smoke as it spread over the River Thames near Waterloo Bridge.
The fire at Somerset House has disrupted traffic in the surrounding area, with fire engines and emergency vehicles stationed outside the building. The entire site has been closed to the public as crews work to extinguish the blaze. Fire wardens in high-visibility jackets have been guiding people away from the venue to designated fire assembly points.
Statement from Somerset House Trust
Somerset House Trust issued a statement regarding the fire that broke out on its premises. The arts venue, which was scheduled to host a day of breakdancing, confirmed that a fire had occurred in one small part of the building. The trust assured the public that all staff and visitors were safe and that they were working closely with the London Fire Brigade to control the spread of the fire.
The swift response of emergency services and the coordinated efforts of firefighters have been crucial in managing the situation at Somerset House. The trust’s commitment to public safety and the preservation of the historic site is evident in their response to the fire incident. As the community awaits further updates on the extent of the damage, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and protecting the valuable assets housed within Somerset House.