Fire Destroys Roof at Somerset House in London

A significant fire broke out at Somerset House, a historic cultural complex in central London, where approximately 125 firefighters and 20 engines contained the blaze that affected the roof of the west wing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the building was evacuated prior to the fire crews' arrival. The Courtauld Gallery, which houses works by Van Gogh and Monet, remained unaffected and will reopen, while Somerset House itself will stay closed for investigations. In a separate incident, another fire ignited on the ninth floor of an apartment block in Paddington, prompting the evacuation of residents and patrons from a nearby pub, with the blaze controlled by firefighters shortly after. No injuries were reported in the Paddington fire, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing. Emergency services continue to advise the public to avoid the affected areas while cleanup and investigations proceed.