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Small fire closes part of the Palace of Westminster Fire alert closes part of the Palace of Westminster
(35 minutes later)
Part of the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, was temporarily closed to the public on Friday following a small fire. Part of the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, was temporarily closed to the public on Friday following a fire alert.
The blaze is understood to have been in a room at the House of Commons end of the building in the early hours. Contrary to earlier reports, there was no fire in the building - in which repair work is taking place.
Sources say there had been no significant damage. Palace authorities said smoke detectors had been activated following "overnight works" in a basement area.
But areas, including the Commons chamber, were cordoned off because of potential danger from toxic substances such as asbestos. Parts of the building had been closed as a precaution and there had been no danger, officials confirmed.
It is understood the cordons were set to be lifted as the parts of the Palace affected were given the all-clear and officials said there was no danger to the public. In a statement, a Commons spokesman said: "Smoke detectors in the Palace activated in the early hours of Friday morning linked to overnight works in the basement area.
"While the alarms were being investigated, and as a precautionary measure, certain areas of the Palace were closed. Experts ran tests and at around 0800 BST reassurance was provided so that the Palace could be accessed safely as usual.
"Contrary to some media reports, there was no fire."
There is substantial building work going at the moment at the Palace of Westminster, a Grade One listed building largely dating back to the middle of the 19th Century.There is substantial building work going at the moment at the Palace of Westminster, a Grade One listed building largely dating back to the middle of the 19th Century.
Reports have suggested the amount of structural refurbishment and rewiring required in the historic building means MPs and peers may have to move to another site for up to five years.Reports have suggested the amount of structural refurbishment and rewiring required in the historic building means MPs and peers may have to move to another site for up to five years.
Parliamentary officials say a study into the long-term upkeep of the Palace of Westminster is under way and its findings are to be discussed by the end of the year.Parliamentary officials say a study into the long-term upkeep of the Palace of Westminster is under way and its findings are to be discussed by the end of the year.
A Commons spokesman said a study into the long-term upkeep of the Palace of Westminster is under way. Its findings are to be discussed by the year's end.