Somerset House Fire Contained by Emergency Services
A fire broke out at Somerset House in central London, prompting a swift response from approximately 125 firefighters. The blaze, which was first reported just before midday on Saturday, required a complex and technical effort to contain. Emergency crews used a 63-meter ladder to reach the flames and created fire breaks in the roof to prevent the fire from spreading.
Artworks Safe as Fire Affects Opposite Wing
Somerset House, known for housing famous artworks such as Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear’ and Peter Paul Rubens’ ‘The Descent From The Cross,’ escaped major damage. The fire occurred in the west wing, far from the Courtauld Gallery where these masterpieces are displayed. The swift action of the emergency services limited the damage to a small part of the building.
Venue to Remain Closed During Investigation
Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, praised the emergency services for their efforts, noting that it’s too early to assess the full extent of the damage. With investigations ongoing, Somerset House will remain closed to the public until further notice. Fire crews are expected to stay on-site into Sunday as they continue their work.
Scheduled Events Canceled
The fire has led to the cancellation of planned events at Somerset House, including a breakdancing event celebrating the sport’s debut at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Attendees expressed their disappointment, with one guest, Abisola Alli, remarking on the professionalism of the emergency response despite the frightening situation.
No Injuries Reported as Investigation Continues
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the fire. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation by the London Fire Brigade, who are working diligently to determine what sparked the incident. Somerset House’s location next to the River Thames posed additional challenges, but the quick response ensured that the fire was contained effectively.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Independent
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