Golf cart fire in Flagler Beach sparks safety warning

Golf cart fire in Flagler Beach sparks safety warning

A golf cart was destroyed in a garage fire this week after it burst into flames while charging, according to the owner. The fire nearly spread to the home, but crews from the Flagler Beach Fire Department contained it to the garage. No injuries were reported.

FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. - A golf cart was destroyed in a garage fire this week after it burst into flames while charging, according to the owner.

The fire nearly spread to the home, but crews from the Flagler Beach Fire Department contained it to the garage. No injuries were reported.

The backstory:

Owner Keith Evans said he uses the golf cart daily around Flagler Beach. 

He discovered the fire Monday after opening a utility room door and encountering heavy smoke. Evans believes a recently installed aftermarket heater may have sparked the blaze. He said the heater, purchased online, had been added during a stretch of cold weather.

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Fire Chief Stephen Cox cautioned residents about installing aftermarket devices that are not approved by manufacturers. He said golf carts are not designed to power high-draw equipment such as heaters, which can strain electrical systems and increase fire risk.

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Cox also advised homeowners to consult a certified electrician before adding electrical components and to properly store flammable materials, such as propane tanks or gasoline, in flame-rated cabinets. 

In the event of a fire that cannot be quickly extinguished, he said, residents should close the door to help slow the spread and call 911.