Historic building destroyed by fire in Zurich city centre

A historic building in the heart of Zurich’s old town has been destroyed by a fire. The Modestia cúm Libertate in Lindenhof is now at risk of collapsing.

Fire breaks out at historic building in Zurich

In the early hours of the morning on Monday, January 26, a fire broke out in a building in the old town of Zurich, according to a city council press release.

Just after 1am, the fire brigade was called to the Lindenhof district where a building was “engulfed in flames”. The fire was contained and prevented from spreading to neighbouring buildings. Police evacuated nearby residents and no one was injured. 

Modestia cúm Libertate at risk of collapsing

The historical building is now at risk of collapsing. Emergency responders remain at the scene to monitor remaining embers and begin “extensive extinguishing and cleanup work. The operation is expected to continue throughout the day.”  The cause of the fire is currently unknown and the “damage is considerable”.

The building is located next to Spielplatz Lindenhof, not far from Strehlgasse and the main shopping streets in Zurich. The Modestia cúm Libertate (McL), a Freemasons lodge, is the oldest and largest in Zurich and was founded in 1771.