A major fire broke out in the Administrative Building of the Naval Dockyard here on Thursday evening. The second floor of the Admiral Superintendent's building near the Lion Gate was gutted.

More than ten fire engines and 65 fire-fighters were engaged in bringing the fire under control.

The Naval PRO said fire tenders from the Naval Dockyard, INS Shikra and from the civil administration are fighting the fire. The cause of the fire was not yet known, officials said, adding that the extent of damage and casualties, if any, were also not immediately ascertained.

Initial reports suggested that an electric short circuit caused the fire.

The area from Lion's Gate to Old Customs House is lined with heritage buildings that were built in the colonial era.