Eleven people were evacuated from flats adjacent to the Law Society of England and Wales headquarters after a blaze broke out in the historic building last Saturday night (1 February).

Chief executive Paul Tennant said that the organisation has been left “extremely upset” after the fire broke out in the roof of “a wonderful building” on Saturday night.

He thanked the London Fire Brigade who battled the blaze, which ignited on Saturday night in Holborn.

About 28 people had left the building before emergency services arrived, while a further 11 had to be evacuated from nearby flats as a precaution.

25 engines

Firefighters said about 150 firefighters and 25 engines were sent to tackle the blaze at the six-storey Central London office building at 10.40pm.

A junior lawyers’ division dinner was taking place in the building, but all had left the building and no one was injured.

London Fire Brigade said much of the roof and part of the fifth, fourth and third floors were alight, but the blaze was brought under control.

"First of all, I wanted to express my gratitude to the fire service and my relief that nobody has been hurt," said Mr Tennant.

"I also want to express my sympathy to the residents in the Chancery Lane area whom I understand may have had to evacuate their homes.

Cause

"It is too early to comment on the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage, but clearly we are extremely upset that this has happened to this wonderful and historic building."

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Holborn and its vicinity has been associated with the legal profession since mediaeval times.