A St. Johns County family was forced to flee their home Monday morning after their golf cart exploded into flames in their garage officials said.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue units arrived to find the vehicle engulfed.
The flames and heavy smoke were quickly extinguished, leaving behind the golf cart’s charred husk.
Crews searched the home and safely removed two cats. The occupants, the agency said, had safely evacuated the home.
The department noted that they were quickly alerted to the blaze by a smoke detector, saying it played a “crucial role in preventing injuries.”
The fire was limited to the garage area and was knocked down before damaging the main residence.
There were no reported injuries.
SJCFR released a safety checklist for electric vehicles in light of the fire’s origin.
• Never charge batteries overnight or while away from home.
• Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and replacement batteries.
• Keep charging areas clear of combustible materials.
• Avoid using batteries that appear damaged, swollen, leaking, or overheating.
• Store and charge equipment in a well-ventilated area.
• Install a smoke detector in your garage for early warning.
• If a battery overheats, smokes, or emits an unusual odor, stop using it and move it outdoors if safe.
