A significant fire has devastated a historic 19th-century golf club in London, sending a huge plume of smoke billowing across the skyline that was visible for miles around.
Emergency Response Mobilised
Firefighters from Loughton, Waltham Abbey, and surrounding stations were called to the scene at the West Essex Golf Club, located near the M25 motorway, at 2.40pm on Monday. Upon arrival, crews confirmed the severity of the blaze and immediately requested additional support.
An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson provided a crucial early update, stating: ‘When the first fire crews arrived, they confirmed everyone was accounted for and no one was injured. Additional fire engines were requested to support.’
Scene of Ongoing Operations
At the height of the incident, six fire crews were actively engaged in tackling the fierce flames. The operation to bring the fire under control is ongoing, with firefighters working diligently at the site.
The club, a fixture in the area for well over a century, represents a substantial piece of local heritage. The sight of smoke pouring from the building drew significant attention from across the capital and beyond.
Community Impact and Investigation
While the immediate priority has been the safety of all individuals, which has been successfully assured, the damage to the historic structure is expected to be considerable. The cause of the fire is not yet known and will likely be the subject of a thorough investigation once the blaze is fully extinguished.
This remains a developing situation, and further updates are anticipated as the firefighting efforts continue and more information becomes available from the emergency services.
