July 23--Firefighters had to help evacuate several people, but no one was hurt in a Tuesday night fire that extensively damaged the clubhouse at Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club in Orland Park, authorities said.
After a fire was reported outside the clubhouse at 10700 W. 153rd St. at about 10 p.m., firefighters arrived to find heavy flames on the building's east side and reaching into its attic, Orland Fire Protection District officials said in a press release.
Fire Chief Ken Brucki said multiple people were inside the building when firefighters arrived. WGN-TV reported that it was 12 golfers who were inside.
The fire damaged the clubhouse's east side and roof, and the building also sustained smoke damage and limited water damage, according to the fire district. The cause of the fire was still under investigation Wednesday.
While the golf course, grill and pro shop were open Wednesday, the main dining room and bar were closed for inspections and cleanup, a Crystal Tree employee said. Those areas were expected to reopen Thursday, she said.
Firefighters had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes, Brucki said.
"Any time you have a very large, occupied structure and that much fire showing, it takes a tremendous amount of control to manage that event," he said.
lzumbach@tribpub.com
