Early Thursday morning, Prince George’s County Fire and EMS units responded to a significant fire at a golf‑cart repair business located on the 15200 block of Crain Highway in Brandywine, Maryland. The first alarm arrived at approximately 6:30 a.m., after witnesses reported thick black smoke rising from the site.
Fire spreads to nearby office building
Firefighters quickly discovered that as many as twenty golf carts had ignited, likely due to a mechanical or electrical malfunction within the repair shop. The flames spread beyond the shop floor and engulfed an adjoining office building, prompting a multi‑unit response from the county’s fire suppression and rescue teams.
Fire crews worked diligently to contain the blaze, employing multiple hoses and ventilation techniques to control the smoke and heat. After several hours of coordinated effort, the fire was brought under control and the remaining hot spots were extinguished.
No injuries and investigation underway
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the shop’s employees, nearby workers, or the responding fire personnel. The rapid arrival of emergency services and the clear evacuation of the premises helped prevent any harm.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. County fire investigators are examining the scene, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing shop staff to determine what sparked the initial ignition. Early speculation points to a possible electrical fault in one of the carts, but officials have emphasized that no conclusions have been reached.
Community response and safety reminder
Local residents expressed concern over the sudden blaze, noting the distinctive plume of smoke that was visible from several blocks away. The incident underscores the importance of regular safety inspections for businesses that handle equipment with high‑energy batteries and electrical components.
Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department reminded the public that proper maintenance of commercial equipment, especially those powered by lithium‑ion batteries, is essential to prevent similar incidents. Business owners are encouraged to work closely with fire safety officials to ensure compliance with fire codes and to conduct routine checks of electrical systems.
Looking ahead
While the damage to the repair shop and the office building is still being assessed, the county’s fire department will continue its investigation and will release a full report once the findings are complete. In the meantime, the site remains secured, and the county is coordinating with local authorities to support any affected businesses.
For updates on the investigation and safety recommendations, residents can follow the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department’s official social‑media channels.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
