It appears the fire that damaged the clubhouse at the Orchard Golf & Country Club was accidental. That’s the word from fire investigators who visited the scene Tuesday.
Investigators say they found nothing suspicious, according to Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore. The fire was confined to the kitchen area of the 40,000-square-foot building.
The fire broke out inside the clubhouse at the gated community near Turnerville Monday morning.
Multiple units from Habersham County Emergency Services responded after a 911 caller reported the fire. The Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Department responded with mutual aid.
When the initial units arrived at 8:12 a.m., no flames were visible from outside, but smoke could be seen from the east side of the building. Smoke was also coming from the eaves of the structure, says Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore
When a second alarm was requested by the officer in command of the scene, two stations from Stephens County were dispatched and responded with three engines and seven personnel.
Stephens County firefighters helped get the fire under control and were released shortly after they arrived, says Moore.
About 30% of the main floor of the building received heavy damage, including the kitchen area, while the remainder sustained moderate damage, primarily from smoke and water.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office and Habersham County Emergency Services are conducting the investigation.
