Around 100 firefighters tackle blaze at historic London art centre

The National Times - Around 100 firefighters tackle blaze at historic London art centre

Around 100 firefighters tackle blaze at historic London art centre / Photo: © AFP

Around 100 firefighters tackled a large blaze at London's historic Somerset House cultural centre on Saturday, with flames leaping out from underneath its roof.

Change text size:

"Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have now been sent in response to the fire at Somerset House. Crews are tackling a fire located in part of the building's roof," the London Fire Brigade posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The official X account of the Renaissance building, which opened in 1796, said that "owing to a fire in one small part of Somerset House, the site is currently closed."

It added that "all staff and public are safe."

Other footage taken from central London showed thick plumes of smoke rising above the building, which stretches for around 180 metres along the banks of the River Thames.

The courtyard of the grand building hosts music gigs in the summer and a popular ice rink in the winter, appearing in the 2003 film "Love Actually".

It has also appeared in two James Bond films, the 2008 movie "The Duchess", starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, and Tim Burton's 1999 horror movie "Sleepy Hollow".

The fire service said two 32-metre ladders had been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations.

"The entire site at Somerset House is now closed to the public whilst we tackle the fire. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond," it added.

M.Wilson--TNT

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Leaves Ken Urker Memorial After Sibling Tension

Gypsy Rose Blanchard attended the Celebration of Life for Ken Urker in Austin on Saturday but left shortly after arriving when she saw Urker’s sister, Autumn. Blanchard had delivered a speech at the service before stepping out to avoid an encounter with Autumn, who has publicly criticized her following Urker's death.

Jon Tickle Reunites with Big Brother Co-Stars Following MND Diagnosis

Big Brother legend Jon Tickle has shared a rare reunion with his former co-stars from the show’s fourth series, more than twenty years after their initial run. The gathering occurred shortly after the 52-year-old physicist publicly confirmed his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease, prompting an outpouring of support from his former television colleagues.

Katy Perry Tells Fans Ex-Husband Russell Brand 'Should Be in Jail' During UK Concert

Katy Perry has recalled a past concert moment where she told fans that her ex-husband Russell Brand 'should be in jail,' a statement that has taken on renewed significance following his recent criminal convictions. The singer made the remark during a question-and-answer session at the Blenheim Palace Festival last July, before Brand was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

The National Times - Around 100 firefighters tackle blaze at historic London art centre