Edison Elks Lodge Destroyed After Saturday Morning Fire

EDISON, NJ — A fire early Saturday morning destroyed the Edison Elks Lodge, leaving the longtime community gathering spot condemned and a total loss, according to lodge leaders.

Around 5:44 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, the Edison Fire Department responded to a fire at Edison Elks Lodge #2487, Mayor Sam Joshi said. The fire caused major structural damage. No injuries were reported.

Subscribe

"This is deeply unfortunate, as the Elks community here in Edison is significant, with a long history of serving our community," Joshi said. "Thank you to our firefighters for their quick response."

"To all Elks members, know that Edison is here to support as it's rebuilt," Joshi said

In a message to members Saturday, Exalted Ruler Marty Langan said the lodge was closed and asked that everyone other than officers stay off the property until the insurance company and fire inspectors finish their work.

In a later statement, Langan said the building had been condemned and was unsafe to enter.

"Unfortunately, the building is a total loss, as you can see from the photographs," he said.

Langan thanked the Edison Fire Department, Edison Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management and other first responders "who worked tirelessly and bravely to save our lodge."

"Our lodge is more than a building," Langan said. "It is a place where friendships were made, families gathered, memories were created, and countless charitable and community efforts took place. Seeing it destroyed is heartbreaking for all of us."

The lodge's board of directors will meet to discuss next steps and develop a plan for the future, according to Langan.

"We know there will be many questions, and while we may not have all the answers right now, we promise to keep our members informed as we learn more," he said.

He added that the heart of the Edison Elks "has never been the building, it has always been the people."

On Sunday, the lodge shared that Langan was able to recover some of the lodge's keepsakes Saturday night, with help from the Middlesex County Fire Marshal's Office.

"It's much easier knowing we are not alone," the lodge said.

The cause of the fire was not immediately released.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com