Somerset House in London witnessed a significant fire outbreak in the arts centre, causing an immediate response involving over 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines to combat the flames. The fire was spotted on the building’s roof, leading to the closure of The Strand. The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, as emergency services advise people to avoid the area. Concerns arose about the Courtauld Gallery within the building, with fears about the irreplaceable art collection it holds, but the fire was reported to be in the west wing where offices, not artworks, are located.
During the fire, eyewitnesses described seeing enormous ladders being used to address the flames, with huge plumes of smoke billowing into the air. Shocked Londoners shared clips of the event on social media as the fire service confirmed that additional reinforcements were dispatched to control the blaze. Concerns were expressed over the preservation of the artwork at the Courtauld Gallery, with social media users questioning the proximity of the fire to the gallery. Fire engines were visible in the area, and efforts were made to contain the fire on the premises. The Director of Somerset House Trust confirmed that the fire did not affect any artworks, but rather was contained to the west wing that primarily houses offices and back-of-house facilities.
The London Fire Brigade sent more reinforcements to tackle the fire, with increased numbers of firefighters and fire engines arriving at Somerset House. Social media users expressed worry about the situation, particularly regarding their beliefs that the Courtauld Gallery might be at risk. Efforts to handle the fire were ongoing, with eyewitnesses sharing their observations, which included concerns about the art collection and the impact of the smoke on the iconic building. Somerset House announced its closure due to the fire in a specific part of the building, affecting planned events for the day.
Amidst the chaos, it was evident that the situation created a spectacle with people watching the scene unfold. Videos and images captured the intense firefighting efforts and the smoke engulfing the building. Fire service updates, concerned citizens, and evacuated staff members painted a vivid picture of the critical situation. Despite the uncertainty and alarm surrounding the fire, efforts to protect the historic building and its contents continued, emphasizing the importance of swift response and coordinated action in emergencies.
