by Christopher Hodapp
On Monday morning, fire severely damaged the Masonic hall of Bear Wallow/Cave City Lodge in Cave City, Kentucky. According to several local news sites, the local fire department received an alarm at 7:35 AM and arrived at the scene to find smoke and flames on the lower level.
Thanks to the quick response, fire was confined to the basement's kitchen and dining room, but there is major smoke and water damage throughout the building.
The lodge room on the upper floor took on lots of water, but the furniture seems to have survived.
Fire officials have not yet determined the cause, but the source of the fire appears to have been in the kitchen. Fortunately, the exterior of the hall appears to be intact, and there were no injuries.
Unlike the recent spate of fires in Masonic buildings over the last couple of years, there has been no mention of arson in this case, but the investigation continues. No word at this time as to whether any sort of rebuilding fund has been created, but this story will be updated if that happens.
(Photos from Cave City Fire department, various local news sites and lodge members.)
Continue reading...