After heavy rainfall and flooding, a plugged-in golf cart caught fire on Patterson Avenue, drawing attention to the risks of charging damaged vehicles.
A golf cart fire in Key West sent smoke rising near Patterson Avenue on June 7, drawing attention from residents several miles away and raising new concerns about electrical safety after severe flooding.
Key West police responded around 7 p.m. to 2626 Patterson Ave., where a golf cart had caught fire in front of a residence. According to the police report, the cart was plugged into an extension cord connected to the exterior of the home.
According to Keys News, a neighbor helped police contact the owner to alert them to the fire. Other neighbors told officers the golf cart had been underwater for some time because of flooding. Just two days earlier, Key West had received 4.34 inches of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service, causing serious flooding in multiple parts of the city.
The Key West Fire Department arrived and took over the investigation. Fire officials told the responding officer that the cause was likely electrical. No injuries were reported.
The fire is a useful reminder that golf carts may be low-speed vehicles, but the systems powering them deserve the same caution as any other electrical equipment. Charging a cart that has been exposed to floodwater can be risky, particularly if batteries, wiring, connectors or chargers have been compromised.
Floodwater can carry salt, dirt, debris and contaminants that interfere with electrical components. Even after a cart appears dry, moisture can remain inside wiring harnesses, battery compartments or control systems. Plugging in too soon can create the conditions for overheating, sparking or fire.
Extension cords add another layer of concern. Many golf cart chargers draw significant electrical load, and not all extension cords are designed to handle that demand safely, especially outdoors or in wet conditions. If a cord is undersized, damaged or exposed to moisture, it can overheat or fail.
In a city like Key West, where golf carts are commonly used by residents, visitors and businesses, the incident touches on a larger issue. Carts are practical and popular, but they are often parked outside, charged in driveways and exposed to coastal weather. That makes basic maintenance and post-storm inspections especially important.
After flooding, owners should avoid plugging in a golf cart until it has been inspected by a qualified technician. Batteries should be checked for visible damage, corrosion, swelling or leaking. Chargers and outlets should also be examined before use. If a cart was submerged, even partially, it should be treated as potentially unsafe until proven otherwise.
The Patterson Avenue fire ended without injuries, which is fortunate. But it could easily have been worse if flames had spread to the home or nearby structures.
The image of smoke rising from a familiar neighborhood vehicle is unsettling because golf carts often feel harmless. They are quiet, convenient and part of daily life in many coastal communities. Yet when electricity, water and damaged equipment meet, a cart can become a serious hazard.
For Key West residents heading into the rainy season, this incident carries a clear message: if your golf cart has been flooded, do not rush to charge it. Have it checked first. A little caution could prevent the next fire from starting.
