About 125 firefighters tackle blaze at London’s famous Somerset House

Around 125 firefighters are tackling a blaze at London’s famous Somerset House.

Sitting on the bank of the River Thames, the historic arts centre is usually busy with tourists at the weekend, housing artwork by the likes of Vincent van Gogh.

But emergency services are working to stop the spread of a fire, said to be in a “small part of the building”.

Video and images on social media show an area of roof on fire and smoke billowing out over the Thames, raising concern for some of the artwork inside.

London Fire Brigade said 20 fire engines were at the scene as they tried to bring the fire in the building’s roof under control.

“The brigade’s control officers have taken over 10 calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 11.59am,” a statement added.

“Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene.”

The brigade said the cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Somerset House was due to host a day of breakdancing on Saturday but has since been closed during the emergency response, and all staff and members of the public are said to be safe.

In a statement, Somerset House said: “Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building.

“All staff and public are safe and the site is closed.

“The London Fire Brigade arrived swiftly and we’re working very closely with them to control the spread of the fire.”

Somerset House was once a royal palace and is now an arts, culture and entertainment centre.

The Courtauld Gallery, home to one of the world’s great art collections, is located in the building’s North Wing and contains works by the likes of Vincent van Gogh.

Alan Robinson, 71, a Catholic priest who works nearby and lives in Covent Garden, said he was worried about the “irreplaceable” art collection in the Courtauld Gallery.

The Somerset House site dates back to 1547.

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Michelle Birkby, 50, who lives in London, said: “I was walking along the South Bank, and could smell smoke, looked up and saw smoke coming out of the top of Somerset House.

“At first I assumed it was a barbecue in the courtyard, or some sort of event, but then I heard the fire engines, realised the smoke was billowing out of control and that Somerset House was on fire.”

She added: “It’s a place I visit quite often and I know it’s beautiful and I really hope they can stop the fire before it does too much damage.”

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