More than 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines are tackling a blaze at Somerset House in central London. The Georgian-era complex, which was built on the site of a palace dating back to the Tudors, houses the Courtauld Institute of Art and other arts and education organizations.
A pillar of smoke can be seen billowing from the roof of the former stately home on the Strand. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reportedly received the first call about the fire on Saturday just before midday. The Metropolitan Police said there are no reported injuries so far and the LFB said the cause of the blaze is not known.
Somerset House posted on X, “Owing to a fire in one small part of Somerset House, the site is currently closed.” It added that all of its Saturday events have been cancelled or postponed.
“Two of the brigade’s 32-meter ladders have been sent to the scene to support fire-fighting operations,” an LFB spokesperson said. “Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond.”
Social media users are posting photos and videos showing the grey smoke rising above the River Thames and nearby Waterloo Bridge.