By The Jessica Lees Team | Serving the Wildwoods & Cape May County

On Thursday morning, October 1, a three-story home on Maple Avenue in West Wildwood caught fire. Crews arrived shortly after 9 a.m. and brought the blaze under control in approximately 26 minutes. Firefighters also rescued an unresponsive dog from the third floor and administered oxygen before transporting it to a local veterinarian. Sadly, officials confirmed the following day that the dog died from its injuries.

According to fire officials, the blaze was caused by a golf cart that had been submerged during the nor'easter flooding just days earlier. The cart was parked beneath an upper-level deck, allowing the fire to spread rapidly into the home.

The incident prompted an urgent warning from Wildwood Fire Chief Ernest Troiano III and the Wildwood Fire Department: if a battery-powered vehicle or device was exposed to floodwater, do not use it or charge it.

What the Nor'easter Did to the Island

The storm that moved through the Jersey Shore over September 25-27 brought widespread coastal flooding to the Wildwoods. Streets were submerged in West Wildwood, portions of North Wildwood experienced significant flooding, and residents across the island dealt with water intrusion, storm damage, and cleanup.

Even after the floodwaters receded, some of the equipment left behind presented a different kind of danger. Golf carts, e-bikes, electric scooters, and other battery-powered devices that came into contact with floodwater may have sustained damage that isn't immediately visible.

The October 1 fire in West Wildwood demonstrated how serious that risk can be.

Why Flood-Damaged Batteries Are Dangerous

Lithium-ion batteries are used in many golf carts, electric vehicles, e-bikes, scooters, and household devices. When exposed to saltwater, they can develop internal corrosion or electrical faults that increase the risk of overheating and fire.

In some cases, damaged lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, a chain reaction that produces intense heat and can cause a rapidly spreading fire.

The danger isn't necessarily immediate. A battery may appear undamaged after a flood but still pose a fire risk later. That's why equipment exposed to floodwater should not be considered safe simply because it looks normal or still operates.

Chief Troiano's warning applies to golf carts, e-bikes, e-scooters, and other battery-powered equipment affected by flooding. Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles should also contact their vehicle manufacturer or insurance company for guidance.

For a community where golf carts are a common way to get around, this is a warning worth taking seriously.

What Every Property Owner Needs to Do

If a battery-powered vehicle or device at your home, garage, or rental property was exposed to floodwater during the nor'easter:

• Do not use or charge it. A battery that has been exposed to floodwater may be unsafe even if the equipment appears to work normally.
• Keep affected equipment away from buildings. Fire officials advise removing flood-damaged battery-powered equipment from inside or beneath structures, provided it can be done safely.
• Contact the manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection, handling, and disposal before attempting to use or charge the equipment again.
• Watch for warning signs. If a battery is smoking, overheating, or making unusual sounds, evacuate the area and call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move it.

If you own a vacation rental in Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Diamond Beach, or elsewhere in Cape May County, make sure anyone staying at your property is aware of the warning. Check any battery-powered equipment you provide and communicate with guests about devices they may have brought with them.

For questions about flood-damaged batteries, contact the Wildwood Fire Prevention Bureau at 609-846-2030.

The floodwaters may be gone, but the risks left behind deserve attention. A few precautions now could help prevent another tragedy.

The Jessica Lees Team covers what matters to property owners across the Wildwoods and Cape May County - including local news that doesn't show up in the MLS. We're here year-round, keeping you informed.

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