Discarded cigarette causes $2 million fire at New York golf club

A discarded cigarette has been blamed for a devastating fire that caused an estimated $2 million in damage at a golf club near Buffalo, New York.

Emergency crews were called to Arrowhead Golf Course shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday following reports of heavy smoke and flames rising from the property.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the club’s wedding and events venue, The Sterling, engulfed in flames. 

The intensity of the blaze forced officials to quickly escalate the emergency response, with additional crews and resources drafted in to help contain the fire before it could spread further across the site.

According to Newstead Fire Company, the fire was caused by improper disposal of a cigarette and it resulted in approximately $1.5 million in structural damage, along with a further $500,000 worth of damage to the contents inside the building.

Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries were reported.

Investigators from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit later confirmed the blaze had been sparked by the “improper disposal of a cigarette,” bringing a shocking end to what began as a routine Saturday morning at the golf facility.

In a statement released following the incident, general manager Jason Spain praised the rapid response of firefighters and emergency personnel, while also thanking staff and the local community for their support in the aftermath of the blaze.

Spain added that the venue’s sprinkler system helped minimise damage inside parts of the building and confirmed that repair and restoration work is already being organised. 

He also reassured couples and clients with upcoming bookings that contingency plans are in place to ensure weddings and events can continue with as little disruption as possible during the recovery process.

The Sterling is one of the main attractions at Arrowhead Golf Course, a par-72 layout designed by Scott Witter that first opened in 2003.

The course has previously hosted high-profile events, including a U.S. Senior Open qualifying tournament in 2005, and is regarded as one of the notable golfing venues in the region.