Two adults and their two dogs are in temporary housing after a fire damaged their Lakeland home Wednesday afternoon.
Lakeland Fire Investigator John McGrath said the cause was the outlet where the family’s golf cart was charging in the garage.
McGrath said there was a loose connection inside the box and the event had likely been building over time.
“By using the outlet you wouldn’t know by plugging something into it,” McGrath said. “The outlet was being used properly,” he said.
Margie Oliver said she’s still in shock, not only by the devastation but the kindness from her neighbors.
“Dan came over and said, ‘don’t worry, I have a place for you to live- free of charge,’-I can’t get over that,” Oliver said of neighbor Dan Cosney’s generosity.
“It’s our responsibility to help each other,” Cosney said.
This incident came a week after 8 On Your Side reported a scare another Lakeland family experienced with their charging golf cart. The battery became warm and its hydrogen emissions set off the family’s carbon monoxide detector.
McGrath said the events are entirely unrelated but he sends the same message of safety.
“Never charge your golf cart unattended,” he said.
Related Story: Golf cart battery sets of CO alarm at Lakeland home
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