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Courtauld Gallery in North Wing Hosts Masterpieces
100 firefighters tackling blaze at London's iconic Somerset House
Fire crews were called to the Grade I-listed building on the Strand at 8.29am after smoke was seen billowing from the roof
A fire has broken out at London's iconic Somerset House, with around 100 firefighters tackling the blaze.
The Grade I-listed building on the Strand is home to the Courtauld Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Monet.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a fire at Somerset House, Strand, at 8.29am. Fire crews from Soho, Lambeth, and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet known.”
- 100 firefighters are tackling the blaze
- The Courtauld Gallery is home to masterpieces by Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Monet
- The cause of the fire is not yet known
The Courtauld Gallery has been evacuated, and there are no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have started in the roof of the building.
Somerset House is a historic venue that has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including as a royal palace, a government building, and an arts centre.
It is currently home to a number of cultural organisations, including the Courtauld Gallery, the Royal Society of Literature, and the King's College London Cultural Institute.
The fire is a major incident, and it is likely to cause significant disruption to the area.
The public is being advised to avoid the area and to follow the advice of the emergency services.
We will keep you updated on this story as it develops.