A fire has broken out at London’s Somerset House.
Around 100 firefighters and 15 engines have been deployed by London Fire Brigade to the art and culture venue in the Strand, central London.
Images of a blaze began to circulate on social media around midday today (17 August), after thick smoke was spotted as far as the south side of the Thames.
London Fire Brigade confirmed reports that the historical building was on fire, sharing on Twitter/X that ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters had initially been deployed to tackle the blaze.
30 minutes later, they shared that a further five engines and 30 firefighters had been sent to the venue on the Strand.
The crews are believed to be tackling a fire in the roof of the historic venue.
London Fire Brigade are still on the scene as of 2pm and are asking people to avoid the area while they respond to the fire.
There are currently no reported injuries, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are responding to a fire at #SomersetHouse on the Strand.
More information to follow https://t.co/ocYEr4zTjJ
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) August 17, 2024
— Dean Wilburn (@Wilbs19) August 17, 2024
Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building.
All staff and public are safe and the site is closed. The London Fire Brigade arrived swiftly and we’re working very closely with them to control the spread of the fire.
— Somerset House (@SomersetHouse) August 17, 2024
The iconic venue hosted it’s annual Summer Series this year, with Patti Smith, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Amazons among those who took to the stage in July.
Today, Somerset House was due to host a breakdancing event, but it has been cancelled as a result of the fire.
Posting on Twitter/X, the venue wrote: “Owing to a fire in one small part of Somerset House, the site is currently closed.
“London Battle and other events today will not take place. We apologise for any inconvenience.”
All staff are reportedly safe.
The London Ambulance Service has asked people to avoid the area and told local businesses to keep windows and doors shut, due to health risks from the heavy smoke.
This is a developing story.