West Wildwood Fire Extinguished Electric Golf Cart

Margate City, N.J. — October 1 — The Margate City Fire Department emphasized the importance of electric vehicle safety following a fire in West Wildwood that was connected to a golf cart which had been in contact with floodwaters during recent coastal flooding.

The incident happened on Thursday morning on West Maple Avenue, where firefighters discovered flames spreading from the golf cart into a three-story house.

Authorities explained that the cart had been left under an upper-level deck, which allowed the fire to move along the outside of the building. This event prompted fire officials to caution residents about the dangers posed by battery-powered vehicles and equipment that might have been damaged by flooding.

This warning is especially relevant for electric golf carts, cars, e-bikes, scooters, and other battery-powered devices that could have come into contact with floodwater, particularly saltwater.

Water entering the battery components can lead to electrical dangers or fires that may occur even after the equipment has been taken out of the water.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommended that vehicle owners avoid parking potentially damaged electric vehicles near homes or other structures.

They were encouraged to reach out to the manufacturer or dealer for advice before using or charging any affected equipment.

Residents were also reminded to evacuate the area and call 911 if a battery exhibited signs of smoke, overheating, or unusual noises. The situation highlighted the need to be aware of battery-related risks following flooding and to ensure that damaged equipment is kept away from buildings.