Built in 1849 the Lyceum was well known throughout Halifax as a gathering place for theatre and amateur amusements. Coming in at roughly 6:00 in the evening, the bells sounded from box 18 leading the fire department to Poplar Grove for a confirmed fire. Firefighters quickly realized that the fire was burning throughout the structure having spread through the gas lines and quickly engulfing the building. Response alarm was raised to a third alarm and efforts were made to protect the exposures on both sides of the enormous building. Taking more than three hours to bring the fire under control, firefighters remained on scene most of the night dealing with hot spots. The association which ran this building had in their possession a large library of books. The Union Protection Company is credited with saving this entire collection. The only documented injury from this fire was fireman Lownds who had his hand cut by falling glass, necessitating 8 stitches. The only Lownds known to be working at that time were Arthur and Stanley, both residing at 55 Grafton St.
It was later revealed that the fire was started by a candle being used to thaw out frozen gas lines.