A major fire engulfed Koder’s historic Fort Kochi house

A fire broke out at Koder’s house in Fort Kochi on Tuesday evening. The fire was brought under control in a coordinated operation involving fire fighters from 15 stations in Ernakulam and the Navy. | Photo credit: H.Vibhu

Koder House, a key heritage landmark in Fort Kochi, was gutted in a major fire on Tuesday (September 29, 2026), triggering panic in the beach town.

Originally built in 1808, the restored Indo-Portuguese red brick house on Tower Road, part of Kochi’s Jewish heritage, operated as a luxury boutique hotel.

The fire broke out in one of the top floors of the multi-storey building around 7 pm and soon spread to other areas. A major tragedy was averted as some guests and staff were evacuated from the building soon after the flames were spotted, according to Fire and Rescue Service sources.

The belongings of some guests were lost in the fire. Residents and visitors from nearby buildings were also moved to safety.

Strong coastal winds exacerbated the fire, which consumed most of the colonial structure.

The fire was brought under control at 9.30 pm in a coordinated operation involving fire fighters from around 15 stations in Ernakulam and the Navy.

“No one was injured in the accident. Fortunately, no one was trapped inside,” said an officer from the Mattancherry fire station, adding that the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained. The officer said smoke continued to billow from the site as the building had wooden floors and a roof even after the fire was extinguished. A preliminary assessment indicated that a short circuit may have started the fire. The exact cause and extent of damage will be determined after a detailed inspection.

The officer said the congested roads made the rescue mission difficult despite the help of the police in controlling the traffic.

The Indian Navy said in a report that it joined the firefighting efforts after receiving a request for assistance from the Kochi city police. Defense firing tenders from INS Dronacharya, INS Venduruthy and INS Garuda have been commissioned, the Navy said. The Coast Guard also assisted in the operation.

Built as a Portuguese residence, the building was purchased and renovated by Samuel S. Koder, who belonged to a prominent Kochi Jewish family and was Honorary Consul to the Netherlands, in 1905. The building remained in the Koder family until the third generation sold it.

This historic building is known for its spacious rooms with sea views, wooden floors and carved wooden furniture.

Published – 29 Sep 2026 21:41 IST