By Nuvneet Desai
A fire broke out at the Tennis Club of Hastings on Sunday, October 18th, causing significant damage to the facility and leaving members, instructors, and staff in shock about the ordeal. The fire, which began in a mechanical shed connected to one of the club’s inflatable tennis bubbles, prompted a large emergency response from several Westchester County fire departments.
The Tennis Club of Hastings has served as a place for local residents to play, practice, and learn the sport of tennis since 1979. However, the fire has disrupted operations and raised concerns about the future of the facility.
According to the Hasting-on-Hudson Fire Department, emergency crews were dispatched to the club at approximately 11:11 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from a utility shed connected to the north tennis bubble.
Hastings-on-Hudson Assistant Fire Chief John Linder explained that the shed contained equipment responsible for heating and keeping the inflatable tennis bubble standing. As the fire intensified, part of the bubble melted and collapsed, while the nearby building sustained exterior damage.
Despite the extent of the fire, emergency crews managed to prevent it from spreading further throughout the property.
In an official statement published by the fire department, Linder credited the firefighter’s quick response and assistance from neighboring departments for containing the fire to the mechanical shed and north tennis bubble.
Firefighters from Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Ardsley, and other nearby departments assisted in the emergency response. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, while no other injuries were reported.
Hastings-on-Hudson Mayor Thomas Drake also recognized the efforts of the emergency responders, emphasizing the cooperation between neighboring communities. “Your commitment to serving others, often under challenging and unpredictable circumstances, does not go unnoticed,” Drake wrote in an official statement following the fire.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation following the incident.
Beyond the physical damage, the fire has affected members of the local tennis community who regularly used the facility for recreation and lessons.
Sophomore Dylan Barger, a former member of the Hasting Tennis Club, expressed his disappointment after learning about the incident. “I’m shocked that it burned down. It was a really fun place to play tennis with a great community,” Barger said.
The incident has also raised concerns about the club’s employees and tennis instructors, who may face interruptions to their work while the facility undergoes repairs.
In response, Hastings resident Brain Ries organized an online fundraiser titled Support the Tennis Club of Hastings Staff & Pros, aiming to provide financial assistance to employees affected by the fire. “I am starting this GoFundMe to raise funds for them,” Ries wrote, explaining that the donations would help support staff members during the recovery process.
Ries also stated he intended to work directly with club management to distribute the donations to affected employees.
The fundraiser quickly attracted local residents. According to Daily Voice, it had collected more than $11,000 by the morning of October 19th.
Although the extent of the repairs and the timeline for reopening remain uncertain, the fire has disrupted a community place for tennis. As the club works toward recovery, the support of the Hastings community and also other communities nearby offers hope for its eventual return.
