Smoke rises from a fire located in the roof of Somerset House beside the River Thames
By The Nexus Gazette.
17th August, 2024.
A major fire has erupted at Somerset House, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Smoke has been billowing from the historic building, which is located on The Strand in central London. Approximately 100 firefighters are on the scene battling the blaze. Here are the latest updates on this developing situation:
The London Fire Brigade responded quickly to the emergency, deploying 15 fire engines and around 70 firefighters to combat the blaze. Two of the brigade’s 32-meter ladders have been utilized to assist with firefighting efforts. Due to the scale of the response, traffic in the surrounding area has been significantly impacted.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities are actively investigating the incident to determine what led to the outbreak. The historic nature of Somerset House adds urgency to the investigation, as the building’s cultural and architectural significance makes it a crucial landmark for London.
Originally a grand stately home, Somerset House now functions as a major arts venue. On the day of the fire, it was scheduled to host a day of breakdancing, which has been postponed due to the incident. Fortunately, Somerset House issued a statement confirming that all staff and visitors are safe. The London Fire Brigade is working closely with the venue to control the fire and prevent further damage.
In response to the fire, Somerset House has taken appropriate safety measures, and the London Fire Brigade continues to work diligently to manage the situation. The focus remains on extinguishing the flames and minimizing damage to this historic building.
As firefighters continue their efforts, there is hope for a swift resolution to the incident with minimal damage to Somerset House. The situation remains under close watch, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Resources:
3.https://www.yahoo.com/news/fire-breaks-somerset-house-london-123255890.html
4.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqjl70ny0lqo