Grosse Pointe Woods country club fire guts historic Lochmoor
Country club fire guts historic Lochmoor in Grosse Pointe Woods
On Thursday morning, SkyFOX flew over the site which revealed the full scope of the fire's devastation once daylight set in. Large sections were completely gutted with the roof gone and largely just rubble remaining at the historic site, much of which withstood a century. The all-hands-on deck fire response hours later was greatly reduced, but numerous firefighters continued searching for hot spots. Bucket trucks with firefighters inside were spraying from above as the site continued to smoke.
(FOX 2) - Fire crews worked around the clock trying to put out a massive fire at a centuries-old country club.
By Thursday morning crews were still at the site 14 hours later, spraying down sections which revealed extensive damage.
The Lochmoor Country Club was seen with smoke billowing out of the roof on Wednesday afternoon.
Fire continues to burn at 102-year-old clubhouse at Lochmoor Club
A resident of Grosse Pointe Woods who told FOX 2 he lives just three homes away from the golf course said he saw crews respond to the area around 3 p.m. He and others were watching the fire as it grew and were eventually evacuated from the parking lot as the fire got worse.
Lochmoor Club Fire Aftermath
On Thursday morning, SkyFOX flew over the site which revealed the full scope of the fire's devastation once daylight set in.
Large sections were completely gutted with the roof gone and largely just rubble remaining at the historic site, much of which withstood a century.
The all-hands-on deck fire response hours later was greatly reduced, but numerous firefighters continued searching for hot spots. Bucket trucks with firefighters inside were spraying from above as the site continued to smoke.
Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety issued a warning for media and bystanders to avoid the area due to it still being an active fire scene.
"We understand the curiosity surrounding the active incident at Lochmoor Club, however this is still an active fire scene. Crews are still on scene working," the Nixle alert said. "Additional people, vehicles, and foot traffic near the scene create unnecessary hazards and can interfere with emergency operations.
"For everyone's safety, avoid the area. Please do not approach the scene to take photos or videos. Find an alternate route to work and school. Please stay back, follow barricades and directions from emergency personnel, and allow crews to do their job safely."
Fire at Grosse Pointe Woods Club
Flames shot out of the ceiling of the Lochmoor Country Club after smoke was seen billowing from above the structure.
What they're saying:
A resident of Grosse Pointe Woods who told FOX 2 he lives just three homes away from the golf course said he saw crews respond to the area around 3 p.m.
He and others were watching the fire as it grew and were eventually evacuated from the parking lot as the fire got worse.
"I don't know how you salvage this with the amount of smoke and water damage," he said.
"This is a place filled with just fantastic memories and a lot fun and a lot of love. To watch it just go away is hard," said member Hollis Griffin.
"My sister has her baby shower here recently," said witness J.H. Berg. "I’ve got friends and neighbors that are members here. I’ve been in the area my whole life. It’s Lochmoor. It’s been here for over 100 years. Pretty shocking especially now it’s worse. Huge flames coming out right now."
What is the Lochmoor Club?
The Lochmoor Club is a members-only club based in Grosse Pointe Woods on 1018 Sunningdale Drive. It has amenities such as golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and event space for social events.
According to its website, it's known as "one of Detroit's premier private clubs."
"For over a century, Lochmoor Club has been a cherished retreat for families seeking a premier country club experience. Nestled in the heart of beautiful Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Lochmoor blends tradition with modern amenities, offering an unparalleled setting for recreation, social engagement, and lifelong memories."
It's also home to an historic golf course that opened in 1917.