ALMIRA TOWNSHIP — Firefighters spent about six hours battling a fire at Mistwood Golf Course in Almira Township Sunday, leaving the clubhouse severely damaged.
Almira Township Fire and EMS Chief Brad Drury says crews were first alerted when a resident drove to the fire station after seeing smoke coming from the clubhouse, located about a quarter mile away.
By the time firefighters arrived, smoke was coming from the building’s eaves and kitchen area.
Crews initially attacked the fire from inside the building, but the flames had already spread into the attic.
“it had already reached into the attic area of the structure,” Drury said. “And it is a commercial sized building.”
Drury says firefighters attempted to fight the fire from inside for about 45 minutes before switching to a defensive approach to protect crews’ safety.
The fire required assistance from multiple departments, including crews from Long Lake Township, Cedar Area and other departments in Benzie County.
Drury says the fire was especially challenging because the attic contained stored materials that added to the fire load.
“Anytime you get an attic fire, you usually need a lot more personnel to gain access to that fire,” Drury said. “This attic fire happened to be in a commercial building. So, you even need more resources.”
The golf course had already closed for the season on October 28. Drury says one person had been at the property earlier in the day but had left before the fire.
No injuries were reported. Firefighters were also able to save golf carts and other materials.
Part of the roof collapsed during the fire, prompting crews to return to the scene to check for hot spots. Drury says firefighters planned to continue those checks for about 24 hours.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Drury says there is currently nothing indicating it was intentionally set, but the investigation is ongoing.
He is asking people to stay off the property while the investigation continues and the owner considers cleanup options.