A significant fire has broken out at Somerset House, a historic London landmark on The Strand. The blaze has drawn the presence of around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines to the scene. Reports indicate smoke rising from the roof of Somerset House, with flames intensifying at the site. The London Fire Brigade has confirmed the deployment of crews to tackle the flames located within a section of the building’s roof.
In response to the emergency, two 32m ladders have been dispatched to support firefighting operations. The incident has caused disruptions to traffic in the surrounding area as emergency crews work tirelessly. The fire was first reported at 11:59 am, prompting the swift response of crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington, and nearby fire stations. At present, the cause of the fire remains unknown.
Somerset House, which was preparing to host a day of breakdancing, has announced its closure due to the ongoing situation. In a statement on social media, the venue expressed regret over the cancellation of scheduled events and apologised for any inconvenience caused by the closure following the fire outbreak. The latest updates on this developing story can be found on Wales Online as the situation unfolds.
As firefighters continue their efforts to contain the blaze at Somerset House, the London Fire Brigade remains engaged at the scene. The incident has evoked concern and drawn attention to the historic building’s preservation and safety measures amid the ongoing emergency response. Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking news story.