100 firefighters sent to tackle fire at London landmark

Around 100 firefighters and fifteen fire engines were dispatched to Somerset House on Saturday morning in response to a fire at one of London's most iconic landmarks, reported Xinhua.

Videos on social media showed fire and smoke visible on the roof of the building, which dates back to the 16th century and is now used as a venue for galleries.

As of 1:30 p.m. local time, the venue was closed as the London Fire Brigade responded to the incident, according to a statement on the brigade's social media page of X.

Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, said the fire broke out in the west wing of the building, which is mainly comprised of offices and "back-of-house" facilities, and there are "no artworks in that area."

As of 3 p.m., no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters remained on duty there.

Multiple priceless artworks were preserved in the building, including Van Gogh's iconic Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.