Kosciusko Alpine Club (KAC) built its first lodge at Charlotte Pass in 1952. It burnt down in 1963. A number of KAC members had been in the Chalet fire of 1938.  This was their second fire in 25 years.

Kosciusko Alpine Club (KAC) built its first lodge at Charlotte Pass in 1952. It burnt down in 1963. A number of KAC members had been in the Chalet fire of 1938.  This was their second fire in 25 years.

The fire was probably of electrical origin and broke out in the ceiling of a room occupied by Len and Peggy Markham. At 7.00 am an early riser noticed the fire and raised the alarm. Most residents had time to pack their belongings and leave the building. An exception was Arthur Stone who did not believe the fire alarm and settled back to rest. However he was soon convinced when the fire began to attack the ceiling of his room.

The fire was extinguished in one hour by hoses from the Chalet. 

The fire was probably of electrical origin and broke out in the ceiling of a room occupied by Len and Peggy Markham. At 7.00 am an early riser noticed the fire and raised the alarm. Most residents had time to pack their belongings and leave the building. An exception was Arthur Stone who did not believe the fire alarm and settled back to rest. However he was soon convinced when the fire began to attack the ceiling of his room.

The fire was extinguished in one hour by hoses from the Chalet. 

The top floor, comprising sleeping accommodation, was destroyed but the ground floor with most of the furniture, trophies and records and the basement were saved. However, the building now had no roof and what survived the flames was substantially ruined by the weather.

The top floor, comprising sleeping accommodation, was destroyed but the ground floor with most of the furniture, trophies and records and the basement were saved. However, the building now had no roof and what survived the flames was substantially ruined by the weather.

Since only the top floor had been lost, some members felt that roofing over the building, renovating the ground floor and providing new accommodation in the underused basement would ensure the building was ready for the next season.

Since only the top floor had been lost, some members felt that roofing over the building, renovating the ground floor and providing new accommodation in the underused basement would ensure the building was ready for the next season.

Fortunately the building had been insured for reinstatement and £46,000 was obtained. The new building was well made and lasted until 1999 before renovations were undertaken.

Fortunately the building had been insured for reinstatement and £46,000 was obtained. The new building was well made and lasted until 1999 before renovations were undertaken.