An early-morning blaze in a quiet neighborhood raises fresh questions about golf car safety and how a common household convenience turned into a fire starter.
The sun hadn’t even made its debut when firefighters in St. Johns County were jolted awake by a call most homeowners dread: a garage consumed by flames. It happened in the Shearwater development, one of those communities where golf cars are as common as minivans and morning joggers. By the time crews arrived on Lombard Way, the fire was moving quickly but fortunately not quickly enough to trap anyone inside.
According to Action News Jax, everyone in the home made it out safely, including the family cats, which is nothing short of remarkable given how fast garage fires can escalate. The cause, however, is what caught everyone’s attention. It wasn’t a kitchen mishap or a faulty appliance. Officials say the fire was likely sparked by something residents now rely on every day…their golf car.
That little detail hit differently. Golf cars have become the unofficial mascot of suburban Florida life, rolling through cul-de-sacs, heading to neighborhood pools, schlepping kids to practice, and fetching groceries with the same ease as a compact car. They’re convenient, they’re quiet, they feel harmless. But when charging systems malfunction or wiring gets overlooked, they can surprise people in ways no one wants.
In this case, the fire was contained before spreading to the main structure, but the garage took a beating. The blackened frame left behind was a stark reminder of how quickly an ordinary morning can go sideways. Investigators haven’t released every detail yet, but the working theory is straightforward: the golf car or its charging components ignited the blaze.
While the incident ended without injuries, the neighborhood buzz tells you how rattled people were. Many homeowners immediately started asking themselves the same questions: When did I last check my charger? Should I move the car outside at night? How hot does the battery feel after a long day?
It’s not paranoia; it’s practical. Fire departments across the country have been raising their voices about lithium battery fires, from scooters to e-bikes to golf cars. The technology is generally safe, but like anything powered by a high-capacity battery, it demands a little respect and a little maintenance. Charging near flammables, using old or off-brand chargers, or running a car past its electrical limits can all invite trouble.
For St. Johns County, this fire wasn’t a sweeping emergency, it was a wake-up call wrapped in a smoky morning. The family is safe. The pets are safe. But the lesson lingered across the neighborhood like a faint echo: convenience doesn’t mean zero risk.
Residents in Shearwater are already sharing tips, swapping experiences, and checking in on their garages. Stories like this have a way of pulling communities closer, even when the topic is uncomfortable. Everyone knows someone with a golf car. Many people own one themselves. And most would admit they haven’t thought twice about charging routines until now.
The incident also highlights an ironic twist. Golf cars became popular in part because they seemed safe and uncomplicated. They’re slow, they’re open, they’re easy. But when something goes wrong, it often happens behind closed doors, on a quiet morning, long before anyone has their coffee.
For now, firefighters consider this case closed, but homeowners might be just getting started. A few questions, a few quick checks, maybe a new surge protector, small adjustments that could make all the difference.
Because in neighborhoods where golf cars are practically part of the family fleet, safety isn’t just a box to check. It’s part of making sure the next early-morning wake-up call is something far more peaceful.
