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A fire at Somerset House in London required the efforts of 125 firefighters but caused no damage to the building’s valuable art collections. The incident posed challenges to historic structure and has led to a temporary closure of the main building read more
 "5 reasons why fire at Somerset House is a big deal")
Firefighters direct water onto the roof of Somerset House after smoke from a fire was seen coming from the roof earlier in the afternoon, beside the River Thames in London on August 17, 2024. AFP
The fire at Somerset House in London on Saturday has drawn significant attention due to its impact and the historic nature of the building. With around 125 firefighters responding to the blaze, several key factors say why this incident is a major concern.
Somerset House, dating back to 1547, is a historic landmark situated on the banks of the River Thames. Originally a royal palace and stately home, it has played various significant roles throughout history.
It was the residence of Princess Elizabeth before her coronation as Queen Elizabeth I in 1558 and served as the headquarters of the Parliamentary Army during the English Civil War. The building also housed the Admiralty and the Inland Revenue in later years. Notably, it survived the Great Fire of London in 1666, which devastated much of the City of London.
From the preservation of priceless artworks to the challenges posed by the building’s age, here are the key reasons why the fire at Somerset House is such a notable event:
1, Around 125 firefighters battled the blaze on the roof of Somerset House in London on Saturday. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) deployed 25 fire engines to manage the fire, which was reported just before noon. The emergency response underscores the seriousness of the incident.
2. Despite the intensity of the fire, major art collections within the building, including works by Manet, van Gogh, and Cezanne, remain undamaged. This is significant as it preserves the integrity of Somerset House’s renowned art holdings.
3. The historic nature of Somerset House posed difficulties for the firefighters. The age and design of the building made it challenging for crews to effectively address the blaze, particularly in the roof space.
3. Police confirmed that there were no injuries resulting from the fire, which is a relief given the scale of the emergency response.
4. The main Somerset House building will remain closed to the public until further notice. However, the Courtauld Gallery, located in the building’s north wing and housing masterpieces from various eras, will reopen on Sunday. This ensures continued access to important cultural collections despite the fire.
5. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and crews are working to extinguish the last remaining pockets of fire. This ongoing work and inquiry into the fire’s origins are crucial for understanding the incident’s full impact.
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English (US) ·