WEST WILDWOOD, Oct. 1, 2026 — Firefighters rescued a family's dog Thursday morning after a golf cart fire spread to a three-story home on Maple Avenue. Fire officials say the cart had been damaged in the previous weekend's flooding.
Crews were called shortly after 9 a.m. to the 600 block of Maple Avenue for a vehicle fire. Several callers reported flames spreading toward the house and the homes next to it, and the call was upgraded to a first alarm, bringing in more fire companies.
Firefighters arrived to heavy fire on the street side of all three floors. They knocked down the outside fire first, then went in to attack it from inside and search the home.
No one was home, but the family's dog was inside. Crews found it on the third floor and carried it out. Firefighters and Wildwood Crest EMS gave it oxygen before it was taken to a local veterinarian.
The fire was under control in about 30 minutes. No firefighters or residents were hurt. Neighboring homes got mostly siding damage. Crews stayed on scene about two hours.
The Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office ruled the fire accidental. It started in a golf cart that had been sitting in floodwater during the storm. The cart was parked under the upper decks, which let the fire run up the outside of the house and into it.
Fire officials warn that golf carts, e-bikes and other battery-powered vehicles and devices that sat in floodwater can catch fire.
Photo and information: City of Wildwood Fire Department.