Fire at Chancery Lane

Twenty-five fire engines and about 150 firefighters attended a significant fire at the historic Law Society headquarters on Chancery Lane at the weekend.

London Fire Brigade said ‘the roof of the six-storey building and a staircase from the third to the fifth floor were destroyed by the fire. Half of the third and fourth floor were also damaged’.

Firefighters were called at 10.40 pm on Saturday and the fire was under control by 9.48am the next day.

Guests and staff attending a Junior Lawyers Division dinner in the building, and 11 people from nearby flats, were evacuated.

Assistant Commissioner Dom Ellis, who was at the scene, said: ‘This was a very complex fire due to the age and layout of the building.

‘Firefighters worked throughout the night in very challenging and arduous conditions to prevent the fire from spreading to key areas of the historic building, while also trying to prevent water damage. Crews remained on scene throughout Sunday damping down and cutting away. They also carried out salvage work to minimise damage to the building.’

Paul Tennant, chief executive of the Law Society of England and Wales, hailed the efforts of fire fighters who helped preserve the organisation’s Grade 2 listed building at 113 and 114 Chancery Lane in the capital when fire broke out.

‘Our first concern was for our guests and staff and once we established there were no injuries our thoughts turned to our landmark building,’ Tenant said. ‘While the fire caused extensive damage to the roof and upper floors of 114 we are delighted that 113 -  housing the library, Reading Room and other key areas most familiar to our members and visitors - was preserved. We are indebted to the remarkable work of the fire service.  

 ‘Just three days after the fire, our teams are back in 113, our doors are open and planned events and meetings are going ahead which is a testament to our staff and everyone who works with the Society.