Firefighters Tackle Blaze at Historic London Art Centre

Priceless artworks housed in London's Somerset House, including paintings by Van Gogh and Monet, were unaffected by a fire that erupted at the historic building on Saturday according to the gallery.

Around 125 firefighters and 20 engines worked to tamp out the flames that ripped through the roof of the western wing, bringing the blaze at the more than 450-year-old site under control.

The neoclassical cultural complex stretching along the Thames River was meant to be hosting a break dancing competition on Saturday.When a column of smoke began wafting above the center, prompting dozens of calls to the fire department.There were no reports of injuries as staff and visitors had left the building by the time fire crews arrived.