Firefighters tackle a blaze at Somerset House, which houses the Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College London (KCL).
Video footage, posted on X (formerly Twitter), shows black smoke coming from the West Wing, opposite the Dickson Poon School of Law. A spokesperson from King’s has confirmed the university’s buildings have been unaffected.
There are no reported injuries, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Around 125 firefighters are currently fighting the flames. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
According to the London Fire Brigade, they sent crews after receiving a call at 11:59. They stated that the flames are “in part of the buildings roof”. Twenty fire engines are at the fire scene.
The London Ambulance Service warned against the heavy smoke and asked people to avoid the area. King’s students should avoid being in the open areas on and around the Strand campus.
Somerset House put out a statement on X, informing visitors that due to the fire, the venue is currently closed.
Apart from the Dickson Poon School of Law, Somerset House hosts multiple art exhibitions, including The Courtauld Gallery.
Updated at 15:33 on 17 August.
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