Fire at Somerset House prompts evacuation and temporary closure of the iconic building.

A fire on the roof of Somerset House, one of London’s most iconic cultural venues, has forced the evacuation of its facilities and the temporary closure of the building. More than 100 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were deployed to combat the flames, which spread rapidly, generating a dense column of smoke visible from various points in the city. The first alert was received around noon, and emergency teams arrived at the scene within minutes. According to an LFB spokesperson, two 32-meter ladders were used to attack the fire from different angles and mitigate its spread to other areas of the building. “We are doing everything possible to control the situation,” the spokesperson added. Somerset House, located on the banks of the River Thames, is known for its rich art collection, which includes works by masters such as Sandro Botticelli and Paul Cézanne. The management of the cultural center announced that both staff and visitors were evacuated safely. “All staff and the public are safe,” they confirmed through a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, the venue will remain closed while firefighters continue their work. This historic building, erected in 1547, has witnessed many significant events over the centuries, from being the residence of Princess Elizabeth to serving as a headquarters for the parliamentary army during the English Civil War. More recently, it has served as a backdrop for film productions, including the popular movie "Love Actually" and Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow." A representative of the Courtauld Gallery, which occupies the north wing of the complex and houses a valuable collection of masterpieces, expressed concern about the situation. “We are working closely with the firefighters to control the fire and protect the integrity of the building and its valuable collection,” they stated. The causes of the fire have not yet been clarified, but authorities have reported that there are no injuries. Police and emergency services have blocked traffic in the vicinity of Somerset House while the flames are being extinguished. This traffic disruption has caused inconvenience for residents and visitors in the area, who have been urged to avoid the vicinity. The management of Somerset House also apologized for the inconvenience caused, informing that several scheduled activities, including the breakdance event "London Battle," have been canceled. Organizers committed to rescheduling these events once the situation normalizes. As the afternoon progressed, firefighters managed to contain the fire, although the extent of the material damage is still being assessed. This incident highlights the vulnerability of historic buildings in London, which, despite having survived the Great Fire of London in 1666, continue to face the challenges of modernity and climate change. “It is essential to preserve Somerset House as part of British history and culture,” noted a heritage expert. “We hope that any damage is repairable and that this invaluable cultural center can reopen to the public as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, the artistic and cultural community of London watches the situation with concern, hoping that the heroic work of the firefighters and the swift response of emergency services will help mitigate losses and safeguard the legacy of this iconic building.