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13 October 2023
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Well-known golf club in Victoria's Yarra Ranges engulfed in fire, Australia
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On Sunday, 15 October 2023, plumes of smoke were visible for over 30 miles as the clubhouse at the Greg Norman-designed Eastern Golf Club in Yering, Australia, was engulfed in a massive fire. 80 first responders, 25 emergency vehicles and dozens of firefighters battled the flames, which broke out between 13h00 and 13h45 local time. The entire structure was already fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.
Emergency services were called to the fire at about 13h45 and said the clubhouse at the Eastern Golf Club was evacuated safely. Firefighters from the surrounding area rushed to the scene, bringing 11 units, as did paramedics, police and the club's power and gas providers.
The fire in Yering quickly spread and burnt out the multimillion-dollar building's pro shop, offices lounge and function and dining rooms, helped by 45km/h winds in the area.
CFA crews from Chirnside Park, Lilydale, Yarra Glen, Bayswater, Nillumbik, Scoresby, Coldstream, Mooroolbark and Mt Evelyn were responding to the fire at Victoria Road.
Ambulance Victoria said crews were on scene for health monitoring but no one had been treated.
A smoke warning was issued for residents of Yering, north of Melbourne and police were investigating how the fire started.
Victoria Police said the clubhouse on Victoria Road “is completely engulfed in flames and people inside evacuated safely”. “Police are on scene assisting Fire Rescue Victoria and investigating the circumstances.”
Thanks to windy conditions, the flames quickly spread through the structure, collapsing the roof and razing much of the building down to the foundation. Firefighters were still at the scene putting out hotspots the following morning.
CFA district 13 assistant fire officer David Renkin called the clubhouse “a total loss.” The clouds of black smoke rising from the building were so intense they forced local pilots to reroute flights and a smoke warning was issued for nearby residents as the haze dispersed.
Cause of fire
Firefighters confirmed lithium-ion batteries on charge inside the building that sparked the fire. The club's management said it believed the fire started in a storage room, where electric buggies and batteries are kept.
Earlier this month the Australian Consumer Competition Commission (ACCC) released data showing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were on the rise, with the ACCC having received 231 product safety reports relating to lithium-ion batteries in the past five years. "We are concerned by increasing reports of lithium-ion battery fires resulting in property damage and serious injuries, including burns, chemical exposure and smoke inhalation," ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
Sources: 9 News, 7 News Australia, Golf Digest
Emergency services were called to the fire at about 13h45 and said the clubhouse at the Eastern Golf Club was evacuated safely. Firefighters from the surrounding area rushed to the scene, bringing 11 units, as did paramedics, police and the club's power and gas providers.
The fire in Yering quickly spread and burnt out the multimillion-dollar building's pro shop, offices lounge and function and dining rooms, helped by 45km/h winds in the area.
CFA crews from Chirnside Park, Lilydale, Yarra Glen, Bayswater, Nillumbik, Scoresby, Coldstream, Mooroolbark and Mt Evelyn were responding to the fire at Victoria Road.
Ambulance Victoria said crews were on scene for health monitoring but no one had been treated.
A smoke warning was issued for residents of Yering, north of Melbourne and police were investigating how the fire started.
Victoria Police said the clubhouse on Victoria Road “is completely engulfed in flames and people inside evacuated safely”. “Police are on scene assisting Fire Rescue Victoria and investigating the circumstances.”
Thanks to windy conditions, the flames quickly spread through the structure, collapsing the roof and razing much of the building down to the foundation. Firefighters were still at the scene putting out hotspots the following morning.
CFA district 13 assistant fire officer David Renkin called the clubhouse “a total loss.” The clouds of black smoke rising from the building were so intense they forced local pilots to reroute flights and a smoke warning was issued for nearby residents as the haze dispersed.
Cause of fire
Firefighters confirmed lithium-ion batteries on charge inside the building that sparked the fire. The club's management said it believed the fire started in a storage room, where electric buggies and batteries are kept.
Earlier this month the Australian Consumer Competition Commission (ACCC) released data showing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were on the rise, with the ACCC having received 231 product safety reports relating to lithium-ion batteries in the past five years. "We are concerned by increasing reports of lithium-ion battery fires resulting in property damage and serious injuries, including burns, chemical exposure and smoke inhalation," ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
Sources: 9 News, 7 News Australia, Golf Digest
