A massive fire engulfed a historic 19th-century golf club, casting a thick column of smoke visible for miles.
Approximately 60 firefighters from over 10 stations fought the fire at West Essex Golf Club in Waltham Abbey, Epping Forest, on Monday afternoon. The entire two-story clubhouse, measuring approximately 25m by 15m, was impacted, as reported by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, which responded to the incident at 2.41pm.
Firefighting teams from Harlow, Rayleigh Weir, Loughton, Chelmsford, Grays, and other stations, in addition to Urban Search and Rescue and Technical Rescue units, were present on-site. London Fire Brigade and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service also provided assistance.
Upon the arrival of the initial fire crews, it was confirmed that all individuals were safe and unharmed. Additional fire engines were requested to bolster the response efforts, stated Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
By 5pm, progress was being made in containing the significant fire and preventing it from spreading to the rear of the structure, as stated in the online incident log of the fire service. By 6.45pm, the fire had been successfully extinguished.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation will be conducted once the site is declared safe.
West Essex Golf Club, known as The West, is described as a hospitable club with a championship course designed by James Braid, set amidst the scenic Epping Forest, as stated on its Instagram page.
Established in 1900, the course and club were inaugurated on May 14, 1989, by Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, a distinguished amateur golfer in Britain.
The Mirror has reached out to West Essex Golf Club for additional details.