Electrical Fire, Estimated $1.5 Million in Damages
READING, MA — Reading Fire Chief Gregory J. Burns and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said the cause of this morning’s fire at the Meadow Brook Golf Course clubhouse in Reading was electrical. The fire destroyed the building and damages are estimated at $1.5 million. The building was closed at 3:40 a.m. when the fire started and no one was injured. There were also no firefighter injuries.
The Reading Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal jointly investigated the fire. The Reading building inspector provided assistance.
The investigation team determined that the fire began in a void space in the ceiling between an office and a kitchen where it burned undetected. When it finally broke out of the void space, it travelled up the exterior of the building. Investigators suspect that the electrical fire disabled the fire alarm system. By the time a neighbor noticed the fire and reported it, the fire already had a strong hold on the building.
Chief Burns said, “I want to thank our many mutual aid partners who assisted Reading firefighters in battling this blaze. In order to bring enough water, we had to connect to hydrants from some distance and lay long runs of hose. The use of Lynnfield’s tower ladder also helped us to get the fire under control.”
The following is a press release from the Meadow Brook Board of Governors
The Meadow Brook Board of Governors is devastated about the 3-alarm fire that raged through our clubhouse in the early hours of April 17. We are grateful for the Reading Fire Department and first responders from Reading and surrounding towns who were able to work quickly to minimize the spread.
Thanks to the quick response of the Reading Police and Fire Department there are no known damages beyond the main clubhouse building. Thankfully no employees were on site at the time.
The clubhouse at Meadow Brook was over 75 years old and housed the dining room, function hall, bar, offices and locker rooms. A longstanding part of the community, the building held memories for many.
The Board is currently working with authorities to gather information and will update membership when we know more.
Meadow Brook Golf Club has been a member of the Reading community since 1898. A family oriented club, Meadow Brook offers a full slate of activities including golf, swim and tennis, all managed by a professional staff.
