A fierce fire broke out on Saturday at the renowned Somerset House, a historic arts venue located beside the River Thames in London. More than 125 firefighters were mobilized to tackle the blaze that engulfed the roof of the iconic building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and precious artwork, including pieces by Monet and Van Gogh, remained unharmed.

The Somerset House Trust, responsible for managing the property, stated that the fire started around noon local time in a corner of the west wing, primarily consisting of offices and back-of-house facilities. Thankfully, the area did not house any valuable artworks.

Video recordings showed thick smoke billowing from the building, which stretches approximately 180 meters along the riverside. London's Fire Brigade, via a social media post, confirmed that 20 fire engines and over 125 firefighters were dispatched to handle the incident.

"The crews are working diligently to bring the fire under control, predominantly concentrated in the building's roof area," stated London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster. She added that the age and design of the Somerset House presented challenges for the firefighters, but they managed to create fire breaks in the roof, effectively limiting the spread of the flames.

As the operation continues, crews are now focusing on extinguishing the remaining pockets of fire. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and London authorities are investigating the incident.

Somerset House, originally built in 1547 and reconstructed 250 years ago, is a magnificent Renaissance-era complex located on the south side of the Strand in central London. Over the years, it has undergone various extensions and renovations. Today, it serves as a well-regarded venue for arts and education-related organizations.

The complex is home to the Courtauld Gallery, which proudly displays renowned masterpieces such as Vincent Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear" and Peter Paul Rubens' "The Descent From The Cross." Visitors can also admire works by Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Paul Cezanne. Somerset House has become an iconic filming location, featuring in several James Bond movies and hosting concerts on occasion.

Despite the alarming fire incident, Somerset House's priceless art collection remains safe, allowing visitors to continue experiencing the beauty and history within its walls.