Fire at Somerset House in London mobilizes more than 125 firefighters.

On a day that promised to be calm in London, the tranquility was abruptly interrupted by a fire affecting one of the city's most iconic buildings. The historic Somerset House, located on the banks of the River Thames, became the scene of a massive emergency response involving over 125 firefighters and the use of 20 fire engines. According to the London Fire Brigade, the fire started in a small part of the building, though the exact causes are still unknown. The alarm was raised on Saturday morning, and soon the smell of smoke began to fill the surrounding streets. Fire units quickly arrived at the scene, where the atmosphere was marked by the presence of dense smoke billowing from the roof of the historic building. Emergency teams were busy evacuating the last individuals still inside Somerset House while ensuring that the general public remained at a safe distance. Social media was flooded with images and comments from witnesses observing the spectacle from the nearby bridge. Among them was Michelle Bikby, who shared a photograph that captured the magnitude of the fire. The Fire Brigade, which promptly responded to citizens' concerns via its X account, confirmed the situation and began coordinating firefighting efforts. The firefighters' efforts were visible, using 32-meter ladders to combat the flames from different angles. As hours passed, traffic in the surrounding areas was affected, creating additional chaos on a Saturday that is typically busier in the heart of the British capital. Safety measures were quickly implemented, ensuring that both the public and personnel were safe. Somerset House, a neoclassical building listed as Grade I, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Originally built to house government offices and scientific societies, this iconic building is a symbol of British cultural heritage. Its inclusion on the Grade I list means that only 2.5% of buildings in the UK can share this distinction, underscoring the importance of its preservation. As the firefighters continued their arduous work to control the fire, concern for potential damage to the architectural heritage became evident. Citizens and nearby workers hoped that the iconic building could be saved from significant harm. As emergency teams worked, accounts from those caught in the incident began to emerge, with several workers commenting that the situation had completely taken them by surprise. Local authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while firefighting operations continue. The Fire Brigade announced that they were responding to more than ten calls related to the fire throughout the morning, indicating the magnitude of the situation they were facing. Coordination among different emergency teams was key at a time when the safety of individuals and the protection of historical heritage were the priorities. As the afternoon progressed, the smoke began to dissipate, but the firefighters' work was far from over. The public remained anxious, hoping that the story of Somerset House would not end in tragedy. Social media became a channel through which citizens shared their concerns and solidarity with those battling the fire. What happened at Somerset House is a striking reminder of the fragility of historical heritage and the importance of emergency services. As the city of London breathes a sigh of relief at the firefighters' swift response, the community eagerly awaits more information about the state of the building and the causes that led to this unfortunate incident. The story of Somerset House is far from over, and its future will largely depend on the efforts made in the coming hours and days to assess the damage and restore this architectural treasure.