Probe into fire that resulted in day-long closure of Christchurch Golf Club, off Riverside Avenue at Iford, near Bournemouth

A PROBE has been launched into an early hours blaze which heavily damaged part of Christchurch Golf Club, forcing it to close for a day.

Dozens of firefighters battled the fire at a two-storey building at the facility off Riverside Avenue at Iford around 4am on Monday morning.

The crews from Christchurch, Springbourne, Redhill Park, Ferndown, Poole and New Milton had support from Hamworthy, an aerial ladder platform from Salisbury, and water carriers from Ringwood and Poole.

Together, they spent more than two hours containing the emergency, and some remained at the scene until around 8.30am.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Investigations into the cause are ongoing with Dorset Police.”

The club posted online that morning said: “We regret to inform you that an unforeseen incident has occurred overnight, leading to the temporary closure of our centre.

“Please be assured that everyone is safe, and the situation is being handled diligently.

“The safety of our visitors and staff remains our utmost priority.”

The club also praised the fire crews for dealing with the emergency “swiftly and efficiently”.

Facebook users took to the comments under the club’s posts to share support as well as their shock.

One wrote: “Such a shame this has happened. The staff have worked tirelessly to get the club to the point it was at and then this.

“Hope the damage doesn't keep you closed too long and that the insurance pay out quickly.”

On Tuesday morning, another post on the club’s Facebook page announced the golf course had now been fully opened, including the Kitchen Club restaurant.

“Fortunately, our Trackman, an integral part of our range, is still in perfect working order,” the post said.

“While the range itself was affected by the recent incident, we're working diligently to have it up and running by the end of the day.

“Your patience and understanding during this adjustment period are greatly appreciated.

“Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community, and we can't wait to see you back on the course and at the range!”

A police spokesperson said officers were alerted around 4.45am on Monday to reports of a fire involving a caravan at the location.

This was reported to have caused extensive damage and spread to a nearby driving range.

“Officers have attended the scene and are working with the fire service to establish the cause of the fire,” the spokesperson said.

“A cordon has been put in place as an examination of the scene is carried out.”