Around 100 firefighters have been deployed to combat a significant blaze at Somerset House, a prominent arts venue in central London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received an emergency call shortly before midday, prompting an immediate response from multiple fire stations in the area.
As of now, there have been no reported injuries, according to the Metropolitan Police, who also confirmed their presence at the scene. The precise cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are expected to commence once the situation is under control.
Somerset House, which was set to host a day of breakdancing events on Saturday, has seen a dramatic scene unfold, with videos circulating on social media depicting thick plumes of grey smoke ascending into the air and drifting over the River Thames, prominently visible from the nearby Waterloo Bridge.
LFB has indicated that the flames are concentrated in a section of the building’s roof, necessitating the deployment of fifteen fire engines, with crews from Soho, Islington, and surrounding fire stations participating in the operation. In addition, two of the Brigade’s 32-meter ladders have been dispatched to aid in extinguishing the fire.
Traffic disruptions are expected in the vicinity as emergency crews work diligently to manage the situation. In a statement, the LFB warned that “traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond,” urging the public to avoid the area if possible.
The response from the LFB, alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police, underscores the urgency of the situation. Road closures have been implemented to facilitate the firefighting effort, with officials emphasizing that there is no indication that anyone is currently inside Somerset House.
As the firefighting efforts continue, authorities are keeping the public informed, and further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available regarding the incident and its impact on the local community.
