Blaze Engulfs Historic Somerset House Roof, Priceless Art Collection Unharmed

London: A significant fire engulfed the roof of Somerset House, a historic landmark in central London that houses a vast collection of invaluable artwork, but has now been brought under control, as confirmed by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

The fire, which erupted around midday on Saturday, fortunately resulted in no injuries.

The LFB dispatched a total of 20 fire engines and 125 firefighters to combat the blaze.

According to Keeley Foster, assistant commissioner of the LFB, the fire was concentrated in a section of the building’s roof. The Brigade received the emergency call at 11:59 a.m. local time, and by 6:51 p.m., the situation was under control. Firefighting units from Soho, Dowgate, Islington, and nearby stations were involved in the operation.

Foster added that LFB crews would remain on-site into the following day to conduct further safety checks and operations.

Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, mentioned that the fire occurred in the west wing of the building, an area primarily consisting of offices and support facilities. He assured that no artworks were located in the affected zone.

Among the treasures housed at Somerset House is Vincent van Gogh’s renowned *Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear*, which was unharmed by the fire.