Fire Chief: 'Golf Cart Doesn't Just Light Itself on Fire'

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Firefighters from seven nearby departments helped put out a massive fire that investigators say started when about 100 golf carts were set on fire at a northern Oakland County golf course early Friday morning.

Oakland Township Fire Chief Paul Strelchuk told WWJ/CBS Detroit the golf carts were fully engulfed in fire when firefighters arrived at the Myth Golf and Banquet Center on Stoney Creek Road in Oakland Charter Township about 3 a.m.

One of two storage facilities at the back of the lot where the fleet was stored was also burning, he said. HAZMAT teams were called in after one of the 55-gallon drums of motor oil exploded. Other hazardous materials, including fuels and fertilizers, were also stored nearby.

A golf cart that had been driven to the center of the course and then set on fire alerted firefighters to the possibility that the fire was a massive act of vandalism.

“Right now it’s all under investigation,” said Strelchuk. “I mean, a golf cart just doesn’t go out in the middle of the course and light itself on fire. So at this point, the fire is suspicious and we’re investigating it.”

It’s estimated that more than 100 golf carts were damaged in the fire.

The golf course opened as usual Friday morning. The club still had some golf carts, but Strelchuk said it’s likely more golfers will be walking than driving carts.

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Photo via Flickr