Somerset House fire: Courtauld Gallery to reopen on Sunday as London firefighters battle the blaze

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “I regret the fire at Somerset House. This historic building is home to some of London's greatest galleries and creative spaces.”

“I am very pleased that there are no casualties and hope that Somerset House can reopen to visitors as soon as possible.

“My department is liaising with Somerset House so we can understand the impact and damage caused.”

Firefighters will remain at Somerset House until Sunday and there are no reports of injuries, the deputy chief of the London Fire Brigade said.

“A number of staff and visitors left Somerset House before the brigade arrived and there are no reports of injuries,” Keeley Foster said at a press conference.

“The crews worked incredibly hard despite the intense heat and fire to protect Somerset House from further damage.

“I would like to thank all firefighters for their work so far. The teams will remain on site tomorrow and carry out further operations.

“Throughout the incident we worked closely with staff at Somerset House to coordinate our response. I would also like to thank the Metropolitan Police Service and London Ambulance Service for their support this afternoon.”

Parts of Somerset House will remain closed to the public “until further notice” but the Courtauld Gallery, which contains priceless works of art, will reopen on Sunday, a spokesman said.

Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, told reporters outside the building: “It is too early to comment on the condition of the building but I am confident that thanks to the efforts of the emergency services the damage is limited to a small part of the building.

“As the London Fire Brigade continues its investigation and response, Somerset House will remain closed to the public until further notice, but I am pleased to announce that the Courtauld Art Gallery and Courtauld Institute will remain open from tomorrow.”

Keeley Foster, deputy chief of the London Fire Brigade, said the age and construction of the building presented a challenge for firefighters on their first call.

“For this reason, four of the brigade’s turntable ladders were deployed, including a 64-metre turntable ladder, to assist the firefighters in carrying out a complex and technical operation.

“This also included the creation of firebreaks in the roof, which limited the spread of the flames.

“The teams are now working to extinguish the last fires.”

Dance groups cheered loudly as firefighters returned bags they had left at Somerset House.

Abisola Alli, 29, said she was rehearsing in a dressing room with her dance group AfroQueens when they were told the building was being evacuated.

“Most of us left our things, some of us left our things and then just went into the yard. We stood in the yard for a while and then it got quite serious because they said, 'You have to go now,'” Ms Alli said.

“We eventually left and have been outside ever since,” Ms Alli added, saying that about 30 to 45 minutes later, smoke was seen rising from the building.

“We honestly just wanted to get our bags, but no stress because the sun was shining, so we just chilled in the park for a bit,” she said. “We were worried our stuff might get damaged. Honestly, these things are replaceable, but you know, there's nothing better than having your stuff.”

The Courtauld Gallery in the north wing of Somerset House houses a collection of famous paintings, including Vincent Van Gogh's 1889 self-portrait with a bandaged ear. The gallery also houses works by Edouard Manet, Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne.

Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, said the fire started in the west wing of the building, which mainly contains offices and back-of-house facilities, and that there were “no works of art” in that area.

Mr Reekie, who has been a director of the trust for ten years, said: “What I can confirm is that a fire was discovered in a corner of the west wing around midday. The scene was immediately evacuated and the London Fire Brigade was called, who were on the scene very quickly indeed.

“Everyone is safe and for now we want to let the London Fire Brigade do their excellent job.”

Firefighters have removed their personal protective equipment but are still at work. A fire engine was also seen carefully driving through the narrow arches into the courtyard, the PA news agency reported shortly after 4.30pm.

These reports came minutes after the London Fire Brigade said firefighters were continuing to work hard to bring the blaze, which had engulfed part of the roof, under control.

A breakdancing event taking place at Somerset House was cancelled due to the fire, building officials said.

The “London Battle” was scheduled to run from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and celebrate the Olympic debut of this sport in Paris.

The Somerset House website described the event as “a day of dance and breakdancing showcases, workshops, live DJs and a huge outdoor party culminating in a head-to-head dance competition between the four corners of London.”

In an update released a few minutes ago, the London Fire Brigade said firefighters are continuing to work hard to bring the fire, which has affected part of the roof of Somerset House, under control.

The Metropolitan Police asked motorists to avoid the roads around Somerset House due to “significant disruption”.

Scotland Yard said officers were assisting their firefighter colleagues. “There is significant disruption on the surrounding roads. Please avoid the area.”