A large fire broke out at Somerset House, one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks, on Saturday, prompting a swift and large-scale response from the London Fire Brigade. The blaze, which erupted in the historic building’s roof, saw flames leaping out from under the structure, with thick plumes of smoke rising over central London.
Approximately 100 firefighters, supported by 15 fire engines, were dispatched to tackle the fire. The London Fire Brigade confirmed the extent of the emergency in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Crews are tackling a fire located in part of the building’s roof.”
Somerset House, a Renaissance building that has been a fixture along the River Thames since its opening in 1796, quickly announced its closure on social media. “Owing to a fire in one small part of Somerset House, the site is currently closed,” read the official statement.
Footage from central London showed smoke billowing above the sprawling 180-metre-long structure, which is well-known for hosting a variety of cultural events throughout the year. The courtyard, a focal point of the building, is famous for its summer music concerts and winter ice rink, as well as its appearances in several films, including the 2003 holiday classic “Love Actually” and two James Bond movies.
As firefighters battled the flames, two 32-metre ladders were deployed to assist in the operations. The London Fire Brigade issued a statement confirming the site’s closure to the public and warned that traffic in the surrounding areas would be disrupted due to the ongoing emergency response.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and authorities have not reported any injuries. The incident marks a significant moment for Somerset House, a venue deeply woven into the fabric of London’s cultural life. Further updates are expected as the fire service continues its efforts to bring the situation under control.
