Fire causes $3 million in damage at Trafalgar golf club
Ontario fire marshal investigating; fire began in kitchen
MILTON — Officials are estimating damage at $3 million after the Trafalgar Golf and Country clubhouse was destroyed by a fire that appears to have been caused by commercial cooking equipment.
The blaze broke out around 5 a.m. Monday at the Sixth Line and Derry Road golf course, near Highway 401.
Milton Fire Department Chief Dave Pratt said the cause of the fire appears to be commercial cooking equipment. With so much damage, he said, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact point. The fire started in the kitchen.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office was continuing to help fire department investigate the cause on Tuesday. The fire began in the kitchen and Pratt said it could have started in the deep fryer, barbecue grill, or the grease exhaust system.
Pratt said the grounds superintendent spotted the fire as he arrived for work. He spotted the flames from a distance on Sixth Line, but didn’t realize it was the clubhouse until he drove up the laneway.
When fire crews arrived, flames were shooting through the roof. It took a few hours to extinguish. Pratt said about 40 firefighters battled the fire and there were no injuries.
The fire chief said there was a fire alarm system in place that rings locally, but it wasn’t monitored.
While the private course remains open to its members, it will be nearly impossible to host weddings and tournaments that have been scheduled.
“I don’t think there will be any weddings happening there anytime soon,” Pratt added.
He said the high dollar figure was the reason the fire marshal’s office was brought in to help with investigation.
Many Trafalgar club members store their clubs and some personal belongings in the basement, adding to the loss.
Martha Watson, general manager of the club, said it’s especially heartbreaking, as the club was about to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.
She was left scrambling to contact members and those who have booked the course for special events.
On its website, Trafalgar Golf and Country Club describes its clubhouse as a home away from home.
The 12,000 sq.-ft. clubhouse boasted a lounge, deck, snack bar, dining room, patio, men’s ladies and junior locker rooms.
The website also said that clubhouse had new oak hardwood floors, and newly-renovated locker rooms.