Smoke is seen rising into the sky from a fire on the roof of Somerset House along the River Thames in London on August 17, 2024. About 100 firefighters tackled a large blaze at London’s historic Somerset House cultural centre on Saturday, with images posted on social media showing flames shooting from beneath its roof. | Photo credit: AFP
A fire broke out on Saturday (August 17, 2024) at Somerset House, a large arts venue located on the banks of the River Thames in central London.
Smoke was billowing from the building and flames could be seen shooting from the roof, while firefighters on high ladders sprayed water.
The London Fire Brigade said the cause of the fire was not yet known. Fifteen engines and about 100 firefighters were deployed.
Somerset House said all staff and members of the public were safe and the site, which was due to host a breakdancing event, had been closed.
This nearly 250-year-old neoclassical building houses the Courtauld Gallery, displaying works by Van Gogh, Manet and Cézanne.