Around 125 firefighters were sent to tackle a fire at Somerset House in central London, a historic arts venue. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Videos online showed flames on the roof of the building, with smoke rising into the air above the River Thames. Somerset House announced that the site was closed due to a fire in one small part of the building, but assured that all staff and the public are safe. The London Ambulance Service advised people to avoid the area due to the high volume of smoke, and local businesses were asked to keep windows and doors shut.
The London Fire Brigade sent 20 fire engines and two 105-feet ladders to the scene, where the flames were located on part of the building’s roof. The venue was forced to cancel a day of breakdancing and other events that were scheduled to take place. Somerset House, a former stately home that served as the official residence of the Queen of England in the 17th century, has been redeveloped over time as an arts venue. The Courtauld Institute of Art has been located there since 1989, and the Courtauld Gallery within the building houses a celebrated art collection including works by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Edouard Manet, and Paul Cezanne.
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