When a fire broke out at 2.20 p.m. in the Freemasons Hall opposite Sterling theater in the Fort area on February 15, 2025 the hall on the ground floor of the heritage structure with portraiture hanging on the walls was spared. "We have four meeting rooms and three banquet rooms besides Masonic offices, lockers and catering area,” stated District Grand Master Kersi Limathwalla. "What got affected by the fire are the two meeting rooms and the rear part of premises on the first and second floors.” Fortunately, no one was trapped in the building and the fire brigade fully extinguished the fire by 5.36 p.m., reported the mainstream media.
Interior and exterior of Freemasons Hall
Photos: Jasmine D. Driver
Three fire engines, an ambulance and a breathing apparatus van had rushed to the Hall. A fireman suffered an injury to his wrist. The fire categorized as Level 1 (minor) by the Mumbai Fire Brigade was brought under control in less than three hours, but the exact cause remains undetermined. "The reasons will be ascertained after an investigation,” a fire official was quoted in The Free Press Journal on February 16.
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