Golf Cart Fire at The Dunes

by SC Publisher Shannen Hayes
video provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Sanibel Fire & Rescue District responded to a golf cart fire Sunday evening, Oct. 16, at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said a total of 32 electric golf carts burned, and the fire was contained to the carts and a paved area. No structures sustained any damage. The fire marshal is investigating the cause.

Hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles are designed to be safe in the water, even when fully submerged. However, submersion in water, especially salt water, can damage low- and high-voltage components, resulting in an electrical short and potential fire once the vehicle is no longer submerged.

Sanibel Fire is asking any resident who left an electric vehicle on or near their property to contact Greta Fulkerson by email – gfulkerson@sanibelfire.com – with the following information: Name, phone number, address, and type(s) of vehicle(s) on property. The fire district’s goal is to move these vehicles a safe distance from homes. The vehicles will not be relocated to a central area and will only be moved if firefighters are able to gain access to properties and garages.

“We are attempting to keep them at least 15 feet from your property,” Barbot said. The EV removal mission is being performed in conjunction with the district’s daily operations. But the district has been receiving an overwhelming number of requests, and are doing their absolute best to ensure your property does not incur further damages.

 

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