Firefighters extinguish blaze at historic Masonic Lodge on Harding Street, Newcastle

A blaze erupted at the historic Masonic Lodge along Harding Street on Monday afternoon, 10 June 2024, prompting a response from firefighters who raced against time to douse the flames before they could spread.

Officials at the scene indicated that while the exact sequence of events leading to the fire remains unclear, it originated at the rear of the building.

“The fire started inside the back of the building, and it will have to be established how it began,” stated an official source. However, a vendor operating in the vicinity claimed he had witnessed two youngsters entering the premises, going round to the back, before leaving shortly afterwards.

Firefighters managed to arrive at the scene within a remarkable eight-minute window, extinguishing the flames in mere seconds.

Given the dilapidated state of the building, which is reportedly being used by homeless individuals, firefighters took care to thoroughly dampen any potential fire hazards, ensuring that smouldering remnants did not reignite and pose a threat to neighbouring structures.

This marks the second fire incident at the historical site in just over a year, following the initial blaze on 26 April 2023.

For details on the previous fire, click here.

As the old Masonic Lodge grapples with yet another devastating fire, plunging it further into disrepair, it’s crucial to reflect on its rich history. The building’s legacy dates back to 1892 when English Freemasons from the Newcastle Lodge erected a modest hall at a cost of £235, financed through a loan from the local Odd Fellows Lodge.

With each fire exacerbating the decay of this historic landmark, it prompts reflection on the preservation of our cultural heritage.

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