Questions and Answers
What time was the first call about the fire received?
How many firefighters were initially reported to respond to the fire?
Which area of Somerset House had the fire incident?
What type of event was Somerset House scheduled to host on the day of the fire?
Signup and view all the answers
When was the original Somerset House demolished?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the London Fire Brigade say about the artworks in the area of the fire?
Signup and view all the answers
Which famous artwork is associated with The Courtauld Gallery, located near Somerset House?
Signup and view all the answers
Which significant historical event occurred at Somerset House in 1604?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Fire Incident at Somerset House
- Heavy smoke and flames visible from the roof around noon on Saturday.
- Fire Brigade utilized ladder trucks to extinguish flames on the roof.
- The site was closed to the public while firefighting efforts continued.
- Flames burned a hole in the roof, confirmed by video footage.
- Fire's cause remains unknown; first report received at 11:59 AM.
- Initial response involved 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters, escalating to 20 fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters.
Somerset House Overview
- Iconic building located on Strand, near the Australian High Commission, overlooking the River Thames.
- The west wing houses mainly offices and back-of-house facilities, not containing any artworks.
- The venue is known for hosting creative events and exhibitions.
- Scheduled event: breakdancing competition featuring workshops, live DJs, and performances.
Historical Significance
- Original Somerset House was demolished due to neglect and reconstructed nearly 250 years ago.
- Notable historical connections: Queen Elizabeth I lived there as a princess.
- Year 1604: Treaty of London signed, ending the Anglo-Spanish War.
Safety Measures
- All staff and the public were evacuated promptly upon fire discovery.
- Director Jonathan Reekie emphasized safety and absence of artworks in the affected area.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the recent fire that occurred at Somerset House, where heavy smoke and flames were visible from the roof. Firefighters were seen battling the flames while the site has been closed to the public during the incident. Test your knowledge about emergency responses and fire safety.
