A fire at Somerset House in central London was successfully contained by around 125 firefighters after breaking out in the west wing of the renowned arts venue. The historic complex, which houses the Courtauld Gallery featuring masterpieces like Van Gogh’s ‘Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear’ and Rubens’ ‘The Descent From The Cross,’ faced potential damage as fire crews worked to control the blaze. Thankfully, the quick response and efforts of the emergency services helped limit the destruction to one small part of the building.
Director of the Somerset House Trust, Jonathan Reekie, expressed confidence in the fire brigade’s handling of the situation and assured the public that the venue will remain closed until further notice for investigations and repairs. The London Fire Brigade utilized a 63-metre ladder and deployed fire breaks in the roof to prevent the flames from spreading further. Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster stated that crews will continue to monitor the site to ensure the safety and security of the building.
Despite the cancellation of the breakdancing event that was scheduled to take place at Somerset House, attendees like Abisola Alli praised the emergency response team for their professionalism and efficiency in handling the situation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire. The historic venue, located by the River Thames, remains a cultural hub for art enthusiasts and visitors from around the world.
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