A devastating fire has tore through the historic clubhouse at West Essex Golf Club on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a major emergency response and sending plumes of black smoke high into the sky.
Fire crews were called to the 19th-century golf club, located close to the M25, after the clubhouse was reported to be well alight at around 3pm. In total, six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended the scene as flames engulfed the two-storey building.
Appliances from Harlow, Rayleigh Weir, Loughton, Chelmsford, Grays and Corringham were mobilised, with dramatic scenes unfolding as thick smoke could be seen from miles around.
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that the entire clubhouse was affected by the blaze. Images from the scene show intense flames bursting through the roof and windows, with both floors of the building severely impacted.
Despite the scale of the incident, firefighters confirmed there were no injuries. All staff were safely accounted for and evacuated from the building.
A safety cordon remains in place and members of the public have been advised to avoid the area while crews continue to tackle the fire.
An Essex County Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “When the first fire crews arrived, they confirmed everyone was accounted for and no one was injured. Additional fire engines were requested to support. Please avoid the area.”
The clubhouse holds significant place in the club’s history, having been officially opened on May 14, 1989 by Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, widely regarded as Britain’s greatest amateur golfer.
Overlooking the 16th and 18th greens, the clubhouse is renowned for its panoramic views across Epping Forest and towards the London skyline — a cherished setting now badly damaged by the fire.
