Video: London’s historic Somerset House closed after major fire incident, 100 firefighters deployed

London’s Somerset House, a historic arts venue, was closed temporarily on Saturday (Aug 17) after a major fire incident. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it rushed over 100 firefighters and more than a dozen fire engines to the scene after receiving a call just before noon local time.

It said the cause of the fire was not identified yet.

Videos posted on social media platform X showed smoke rising from the roof of the building. The Metropolitan Police said there were no reports of casualties.

Somerset House posted on X that the site was closed ahead of a breakdancing event in the evening.

“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,” the arts venue wrote.

The London Ambulance Service earlier asked people to avoid the area as heavy smoke billowed in the air. The authorities have urged the residents and local businesses to keep their windows closed.

Traffic in the area was also affected, reported LFB. “Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews respond,” it said in a statement.

Somerset House was the official residence of the Queen of England for much of the 17th century.