Around 100 firefighters were sent to tackle a fire at central London’s historic Somerset House, a venue for the arts. The London Fire Brigade deployed 15 fire engines to the scene after receiving a call just before noon local time. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Videos showed fire on the roof of the building, with smoke rising over the River Thames. Somerset House announced it was closed due to the fire, but assured that all staff and visitors were safe. The LFB sent two 105-feet ladders to the scene, with flames located in part of the building’s roof. The venue was scheduled to host a day of breakdancing, but the event and others were canceled. Somerset House, once the official residence of the Queen of England in the 17th century, has been redeveloped as an arts venue. Since 1989, it has housed the Courtauld Institute of Art, known for its collection of paintings by famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Edouard Manet, and Paul Cezanne.
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London’s Historic Somerset House Engulfed in Flames as 100 Firefighters Battle the Blaze
