Fire From Floodwater-Soaked Golf Cart Destroys Jersey Shore Home

WEST WILDWOOD, NJ — A fire ignited by a golf cart that was exposed to floodwaters during the recent nor'easter destroyed a three-story Jersey Shore home, according to authorities.

The fire occurred just after 9 a.m. Thursday at a Maple Avenue home in West Wildwood, the City of Wildwood Fire Department said in a release.

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It was initially reported as a vehicle fire, which then spread to the house, officials said.

A retired firefighter and his son entered the home before the fire department arrived; they reported that no one was home. A neighbor confirmed the home was empty, but that there was a dog still stuck inside.

When firefighters arrived, they found the house engulfed in flames on all three floors, officials said.

The dog was rescued and given oxygen before being taken to a local veterinarian office for further treatment, according to authorities.

No one else was injured. The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes.

The Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office investigated the fire and determined it to be accidental due to a golf cart that had been exposed to floodwater during this past weekend's flooding. The golf cart was located under the upper level decks, which allowed the fire to rapidly spread up the exterior of the building into the interior, the fire department said.

Neighboring homes suffered exterior fire damage.

The fire department issued a warning to residents to not use or charge "any golf cart, e-scooter, e-bike, or other battery-powered equipment that was exposed to floodwater."

"We urge you to move the equipment out of and away from any structure," Fire Official Jacob M. Spiegel said. "Contact the equipment manufacturer for instructions on how to proceed before using or attempting to charge the potentially damaged battery again. In the event you see a battery smoking, overheating, or making unusual sounds, evacuate the area and call 911 immediately."