A massive fire swept through a historic 19th-century golf club, releasing a towering column of smoke visible from afar.
Approximately 60 firefighters from over 10 stations battled the fire at West Essex Golf Club in Waltham Abbey, Epping Forest, on Monday afternoon. The blaze affected the entire two-story clubhouse, measuring about 25m by 15m, as reported by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, who logged the incident at 2.41pm.
Fire crews from Harlow, Rayleigh Weir, Loughton, Chelmsford, Grays, and other stations, along with Urban Search and Rescue and Technical Rescue teams, responded to the scene. Additionally, support came from London Fire Brigade and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Upon the arrival of the initial fire crews, it was confirmed that all individuals were safe and unharmed. Extra fire engines were requested for assistance.
By 5pm, progress was evident in tackling the significant fire, with efforts focused on preventing it from spreading to the rear of the building, as noted on the fire service’s online incident log. By 6.45pm, the fire had been fully extinguished.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation will be conducted once the site is secure.
West Essex Golf Club, also known as The West, is described as a warm and inclusive club with a championship course designed by James Braid and situated within the beautiful Epping Forest, according to its Instagram page.
Established in 1900, the course and club saw the opening of the clubhouse on May 14, 1989, by Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, a highly esteemed amateur golfer in Britain.
Efforts to gather more details from West Essex Golf Club are ongoing.