Artwork safe as fire contained

A fire at Somerset House in central London has been contained after around 125 firefighters were called to fight the blaze.

In a joint press conference with the venue, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said firefighters were currently working to extinguish “the last remaining fires” in the attic.

The fire broke out shortly before noon in the west wing, and the historic landmark will remain closed “until further notice.” No works of art can be seen in this part of the building, a spokesman said.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Thick grey smoke could be seen rising from the landmark over the Thames and nearby Waterloo Bridge.

Speaking to reporters, LFB Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster said firefighters had carried out a “complex and technical response”.

They will remain on site until tomorrow, she added.

Jonathan Reekie, the director of Somerset House, echoed her, saying: “It is too early to comment on the condition of the building.”

He added that the venue would remain closed until further notice, but that the Courtauld Gallery would reopen to the public tomorrow.

In an earlier social media post, Somerset House said the venue was closed due to the fire and all events on Saturday would be cancelled.

After the venue was evacuated, staff and visitors were seen stand outside.

“Everyone is safe. There are no valuable artifacts or artworks in this part of the building,” Reekie previously told the BBC.

“For now, we just want to let the London Fire Brigade do its excellent job.”

Due to heavy smoke, London Ambulance Services urged people to avoid the area and asked local businesses to keep windows and doors closed.

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant expressed his hope that the venue could reopen as soon as possible and that his department was in contact with the ministry.

“I regret the fire at Somerset House. This historic building is home to some of London’s greatest galleries and creative spaces.”

Somerset House is located on the Strand in central London and is currently used as an arts venue. The Georgian buildings and square were built on the site of a Tudor palace.

The venue is also home to the Courtauld Gallery, an art museum that houses the collection of the Samuel Courtauld Trust, including masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portrait with a bandaged ear is part of the Courtauld collection, which also includes works by the impressionists Edouard Manet, Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne.

Somerset House’s famous courtyard regularly hosts exhibitions, experiences and ice skating.

LFB said its teams were battling flames that were “located in part of the building’s roof.”

Twenty fire engines, including crews from Soho, Islington and surrounding fire stations, were at the scene, the brigade added.

The LFB used four turntable ladders to fight the fire, including a 64-meter-long one, said the brigade’s deputy commissioner.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 12:25pm and attended the scene along with LFB firefighters.

The streets were closed, police said, adding that they were unlikely to be at Somerset House.