Dog Dies After West Wildwood Fire as Officials Expand Warning Over Flood-Damaged Batteries

WEST WILDWOOD — A dog that firefighters revived after pulling it unconscious from a burning West Wildwood home has died from injuries suffered in the blaze, as fire officials expand their warning about a potentially dangerous aftereffect of last weekend's nor'easter: flood-damaged batteries.

The dog was found unresponsive on the third floor of a three-story home on West Maple Avenue after fire erupted Thursday morning. Emergency responders administered oxygen and initially revived the animal before it was taken to a veterinarian.

Fire officials confirmed Friday that the dog later died from its injuries.

The fire has also become a stark warning for Shore residents whose golf carts, e-bikes, scooters, tools and other battery-powered equipment were exposed to floodwater during the storm.

The Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office says even batteries that appear undamaged can pose a danger after being exposed to water.

“A battery does not have to look damaged to be unsafe,” the Fire Marshal's Office warned. Water exposure can cause lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries to overheat, ignite or explode.

Fire Spread Through Three-Story Home

The fire broke out shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday in the 600 block of West Maple Avenue.

It was initially reported as a vehicle fire before flames spread to the residence.

By the time firefighters arrived, heavy fire was visible on all three floors of the home. The blaze also threatened neighboring properties.

The Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office investigated and determined the fire was accidental and caused by a golf cart that had been exposed to floodwater during the previous weekend's flooding, according to the Wildwood Fire Department.

The golf cart was underneath upper-level decks, allowing flames to rapidly travel up the outside of the building and into the home. Neighboring houses suffered exterior fire damage.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in approximately 30 minutes. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

Firefighter and Son Entered Home Before Crews Arrived

There was also a dramatic rescue attempt before responding fire companies reached the scene.

Scott Chambers, identified as a career firefighter, and his son called 911 and entered the burning residence to determine whether anyone was trapped inside.

“I kicked in the door. I literally manhandled and broke into the house and started yelling,” Chambers told 6abc.

No residents were inside, but a neighbor told responders that the family's dog remained in the house.

Firefighters subsequently located the animal unresponsive on the third floor after it had been exposed to heavy smoke and intense heat. Responders administered oxygen and were able to revive the dog before taking it for veterinary treatment.

A day later came the news that the animal had died.

Warning Goes Far Beyond Golf Carts

The West Wildwood fire illustrates a danger officials say residents throughout flood-affected portions of Cape May County should take seriously.

The Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office warned Friday that water can damage rechargeable batteries even when there are no obvious signs of damage.

Officials say residents should not plug in, charge or test any battery-powered device that has been exposed to floodwater.

The warning includes far more than golf carts. It applies to batteries used in power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, cellphones, laptops, tablets, backup power systems and other rechargeable devices.

Wildwood fire officials are similarly warning residents to keep flood-exposed battery-powered equipment away from buildings.

“If it was exposed to the floodwaters and you know it was submerged in water, do not operate them, do not charge them, remove them out of and away from any structure,” Wildwood Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Dunn told 6abc.

Fire Official Jacob M. Spiegel advised residents to contact the equipment manufacturer before attempting to use or charge a potentially damaged battery.

“In the event you see a battery smoking, overheating, or making unusual sounds, evacuate the area and call 911 immediately,” Spiegel said in the department's warning.

Don't Put Damaged Batteries in the Trash

Cape May County officials are also warning residents not to dispose of flood-damaged batteries in household trash or curbside recycling.

A damaged battery can ignite during garbage collection, transportation or processing, creating another potential fire hazard.

Anyone uncertain whether a battery has been damaged or how it should be disposed of is advised to leave it unplugged and contact the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority at 609-465-9026 for guidance before handling or disposing of it.

The warning has taken on added urgency as communities continue cleaning up from the nor'easter.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said Friday that the city's Fire Department had responded during the week to “a number of fires involving vehicles and devices with rechargeable batteries.” Gillian called flood-exposed battery-powered devices an “extreme risk of fire.”

For residents returning to homes and properties after the flooding, officials say the danger may not necessarily be obvious.

If there is any question about whether a rechargeable battery was exposed to floodwater, the Cape May County Fire Marshal's advice is straightforward: leave it unplugged and seek guidance before attempting to use or dispose of it.