Shed blaze and damage to home's siding caused by charging golf cart battery
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Homosassa, Florida – At 2:01 pm on Friday afternoon, September 20, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a location on South Rocky Point in Homosassa due to the report of a small shed on fire.
Responders arrived at the location to find heavy smoke. Initial assessments indicated that the fire was nearly extinguished, thanks in part to neighbors who had stepped in to help with a water hose. Upon further investigation, responders discovered a downed power line, across the driveway, in front of the shed.
Crews deployed a hose line to address remaining hot spots, discovering a burned golf cart in front of the shed with a lithium-ion battery box still smoldering. The intense heat caused some melting of vinyl siding on the house at the location.
The homeowner confirmed that there was no power to the shed, and that prior to the fire incident, the golf cart had been left charging. The battery appeared to be new.
The fire was determined to be accidental, and the golf cart was the likely source of the fire, which spread to the shed.
The last unit cleared the scene at 2:58 pm. The scene was turned over to the power company for further management.
No injuries were reported. Damages were estimated at approximately $20,000.
Firefighters from Homosassa Fire Station responded to the scene, along with a rescue unit, a chief officer and a safety captain.
Tips for charging lithium-ion batteries:
Citrus County Fire Rescue provides the following steps when charging lithium-ion batteries to ensure that your loved ones are kept safe from harm:
• Follow the manufacturer's charging recommendations
• Use the charger provided by the manufacturer
• Charge the vehicle in a ventilated area
• Be sure to charge the cart when someone is home – and NEVER overnight
In the event of a fire, dial 9-1-1.
For more information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit its website at www.citruscountyfire.com. Its business office is located at 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. in Crystal River, Florida, and it's non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.