LONDON – Fifteen fire engines and about 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle a blaze at Somerset House in central London on Saturday, with plumes of black smoke billowing over the city skyline.
“Crews are dealing with flames in part of the roof of the building,” the London Fire Brigade said in a statement, adding that the cause of the fire was not yet known.
Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Somerset House was once a royal palace and is now a centre for arts, culture and entertainment.
The Courtauld Gallery, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, is located in the north wing of the building.
Somerset House dates back to 1547.
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