Fire investigators checking the smoldering remains of the clubhouse at the Sugar Valley Country Club said it could take days to determine what started the fire Sunday afternoon that destroyed the clubhouse and everything inside it.
A firefighter suffered minor injuries and damage to the structure and contents at 1250 Mead Road is estimated at more than $700,000, according to the Sugarcreek Twp. Fire Department in a statement released Monday afternoon.
The golf course and range was open as usual on Monday, office manager Maura Dashewich said Monday evening.
"It was a great day," she said. "Our members came out and played the game they love to play." The club is using its 1840 House as a temporary golf shop.
Sunday's blaze is the second at the club since May 5, but state fire marshal's investigators said they do not suspect criminal activity in either of the open cases.
"We do think that it possibly started somewhere in the attic," Sugarcreek Twp. Fire Lt. Josh Johnson said Sunday.
The wooden building, which county auditor records show was built in 1900, was home to the golf store, a kitchen, bar and locker facilities. The building is valued at $423,290, its contents at $285,000, according to the fire department.
Firefighting efforts were made more complex by wind speeds and a lack of hydrants in the area. Township fire crews were assisted by 10 fire departments in three counties.
"We appreciate all of our mutual aid fire departments that came to our aid in this large and complex fire," the department said in a statement, noting that police helped manage spectators and traffic.
In the May fire, a historic barn also built in 1900 was destroyed, along with the country club's fleet of 49 gasoline-powered golf carts and golf clubs belonging to some members.