A fire broke out at Somerset House, a prominent events venue in London, on Saturday, 17 August. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The London Fire Brigade responded swiftly, deploying 20 fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters to the scene. Assistant commissioner Keeley Foster, who was present, described the challenges faced by the crews due to the building’s age and design. “The fire was located in part of the building’s roof space. The age and design of the building proved a challenge for crews as they initially responded. As a result, four of the Brigade’s aerial ladders, including a 64-metre turntable ladder, were deployed to support firefighters as they carried out a complex and technical response. This included creating fire breaks in the roof, which has now limited the spread of flames,” Foster stated.
Luci Sorrell, head of sales, commercial events, reassured the public that none of the event spaces available for hire were directly affected by the fire. “We are continuing to welcome event enquiries and plan future events as normal. Our commercial events team has been in regular communication with any clients whose events were impacted over the past few days,” she said. While a Somerset House representative added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the individual firefighters of the LFB, the emergency services, and our staff for ensuring everyone’s safety and preventing much greater destruction.”
Foster further reported that around 150 staff and visitors safely evacuated Somerset House before the Brigade arrived, with no injuries reported. “Crews have worked incredibly hard through the very hot weather and heat of the fire to protect Somerset House from further damage,” she commended.
The Brigade’s 999 control officers received over 30 calls reporting the fire, which was first reported at 11:59. The fire was brought under control by 18:51, with crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington, and surrounding fire stations attending the scene.
Following the incident, Somerset House issued a statement confirming that the fire was successfully contained to one part of the building. “London Fire Brigade’s operation onsite has ended, and its investigation will continue,” the statement read. They also announced a phased reopening of Somerset House, starting on Saturday, 24 August, with the return of the acclaimed exhibition The Lore of LOVERBOY and the presentation of Vogue Rites’ Mighty Crown Ball in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, powered by adidas London.
“We are thankful to our audiences and community for their patience as we begin this reopening process,” the statement concluded.
