Firefighters tackle blaze at London's Somerset House as smoke billows from roof
100 firefighters are at the London landmark putting out the fire
Last updated 17th Aug 2024
Firefighters are tackling a blaze that has taken hold on the roof of London's Somerset House.
Smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the landmark on The Strand in the centre of the capital on Saturday (August 17th), with emergency services now attending to bring the fire under control.
In a statement released on their social media platforms, London Fire Brigade confirmed an incident was ongoing at the building.
The brigade said: "Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters have been deployed to a fire at Somerset House.
"Two of the brigade's 32m ladders have been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond."
Responders said that they received ten calls of a fire breaking out at the London landmark, with the first report being made just before midday.
They added that crews from across the capital are working together to bring the fire under control, including resources from Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and "surrounding fire stations".
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined by the emergency service, as they continue to extinguish the blaze.
Somerset House officials also posted an update, confirming that the building was closed due to the fire, but added that no one has been injured.
"Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building," the post read.
"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, originally built to house government offices, now is used as an arts venue, with film events taking place on the grounds of the building.
The building was due to be hosting a breakdancing event that would be lasting all day before the fire broke out.