Major fire in London as blaze rips through Somerset House

There are around 125 firefighters at the scene of a fire in London’s famous Somerset House.

Pictures show smoke pouring out of the roof of the former stately home, located on The Strand in central London.

20 fire engines have been sent to tackle the fire, which is located in part of the building’s roof.

Fire wardens in high-vis jackets escorted people away from the venue carrying signs that said ‘fire assembly point’.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ’20 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.

Around 100 firefighters are at the scene (Picture: REUTERS)

All staff and visitors have been evacuated (Picture: REUTERS)

‘Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond.

‘The brigade’s control officers have taken over 20 calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 11.59am.

‘Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene.

‘The cause of the fire is not yet known.’

The building is now an arts venue and was due to host a day of breakdancing today. The fire has forced the entire building to close to the public.

The director of Somerset House Trust said the fire broke out in the west wing of the building and there are ‘no artworks in that area’.

Smoke is pouring from the roof (Picture: James RYBACKI/AFP)

Jonathan Reekie, 59, has been director of the trust for 10 years and said: ‘What I can confirm is that a fire was spotted at about midday in one corner of west wing, the site was immediately evacuated and the London Fire Brigade called, who arrived very quickly indeed.

‘Everybody is safe and for now we want to let the London Fire Brigade get on and do their brilliant work.

‘The west wing is mainly offices and back-of-house facilities, there are no artworks in that area.’

The trust is a registered charity established in 1997 ‘to enhance the education of the public by the provision of a centre for the arts and to maintain the buildings for the benefit of the local and international community as an example of English national heritage’.

The Met Police has urged people to avoid the area. ‘There is significant disruption on surrounding roads,’ the force said on X.

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