News Summary
The St. Johns County Fire Department has reported a rise in house fires linked to golf carts, particularly those powered by lithium-ion batteries. Recent statistics show a concerning increase in incidents due to faulty chargers and overcharged batteries. With ten home fires recorded in the past two years, the department urges owners to adhere to safe charging practices to protect their homes and families. It’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation and unplug chargers after use to mitigate fire hazards. Florida golfers should remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
Florida Firefighters Alert Golf Cart Owners about Fire Risks!
Attention, golf cart enthusiasts in sunny Florida! The St. Johns County Fire Department is ringing alarm bells as they report a noticeable rise in house fires linked to the charming little vehicles we’ve all come to love. If you own a golf cart, especially one powered by lithium-ion batteries, it’s time to pay close attention to how you charge your ride!
What’s the Buzz?
Reports indicate that there has been a troubling 6 to 7% spike in golf cart-related fires over the past few years. The numbers paint a clear picture: over the last two years, firefighters in St. Johns County have responded to a whopping ten home fires caused by golf carts, with the primary culprits being faulty chargers and overcharged lithium batteries. That’s quite a few events causing significant damages and frightening experiences for families.
Scary Stats from Recent Fires
Just recently, a fire on Windley Drive served as a wake-up call for golf cart owners. One family in Jacksonville unfortunately faced $92,000 in damages from a fire ignited by a neighbor’s lithium battery-powered golf cart. Such incidents highlight the real dangers lurking if safety precautions aren’t taken seriously.
Looking at a bigger picture, the Florida Fire Marshal’s Office reported nine lithium-ion golf cart fires in 2025 alone, with an alarming seven of these fires occurring while the batteries were busy charging. In the previous year, 2024 saw 17 similar incidents, again with nine happening during charging. The trend is increasing, and it’s imperative to take note!
What Is Thermal Runaway?
One of the main issues at play is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. This occurs when lithium-ion batteries overheat or get overcharged, resulting in fires and harmful smoke. It’s essentially a domino effect of energy gone wrong, and it’s essential that we understand how to avoid it.
How to Safely Charge Your Golf Cart
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help keep your home and yourself safe. For starters, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging your golf cart. Avoid off-brand chargers as they might not be compatible with your specific model. A quick reminder: it’s wise to charge your cart in a well-ventilated area to minimize any risks associated with overheating.
Another vital piece of advice is to unplug chargers right after use. Charging your golf cart for extended periods—sometimes for days—is a common mistake that can lead to higher temperatures and accidents. It’s all about being proactive!
The Importance of Airflow
Proper airflow during charging is crucial. The warning signs of improper ventilation could see toxic gases from older lead-acid batteries lurking in your space. So, keep those garage doors down when charging, but ensure there’s enough air circulation to prevent buildup.
Additionally, it’s best to keep your golf cart’s charger specific to its model; mixing chargers can lead to mishaps.
Final Thoughts
The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries are serious, but with some simple steps, you can greatly reduce the chances of a fire. Adopting safe charging practices not only protects your home but also ensures that you can continue to enjoy all those lovely weekend golf outings without worry.
Stay safe out there, Florida golfers! Be vigilant, charge wisely, and let’s work together to keep our communities fire-free. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in preventing costly damages and heart-wrenching losses.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 JAX: Florida Sees Rise in Fires Linked to Cheap Chargers
- Wikipedia: Lithium-ion Battery
- First Coast News: Rise in Structure Fires in St. Johns County
- Google Search: Golf Cart Battery Fire Prevention
- KARK: Car Fire Slows Traffic on Highway 67/167 in Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Battery
- Anniston Star: Jacksonville Fire Destroys Home and Two Cars
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
