Fire damages more than 160 golf carts at Prince George's County repair shop

BRANDYWINE, Md. - More than 160 new and used golf carts were damaged in a fire Thursday that sent black smoke billowing into the air in Brandywine, Maryland. 

What we know:

Prince George’s County Fire and EMS units responded to the 15200 block of Crain Highway around 6:30 a.m. after flames broke out at a commercial golf cart repair business. Nearly 60 firefighters battled the flames.

The fire extended to an additional vehicle and trailer on the property before crews brought it under control.

Officials said some of the golf carts that were damaged or destroyed were gas-powered while others were electric. The fire spread from one vehicle to another fueled by burning rubber, plastics and other materials. 

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The shop, Metro Golf Cart Sales and Rentals, has been in business at the location for more than 30 years. The owner, who did not wish to speak on camera, shared on social media that they hope to be back up and running soon. 

"The response phase is over, but the recovery phase is still ongoing," said Prince George's County Fire Deputy Chief B.J. Harris. We’ll help with the business owner and investigators will work with private investigators to determine a cause."

A video of the smoke was captured by a driver. 

"We received a number of calls, as you can imagine, during the rush hour or morning commute, and that's what alerted us to this incident," Harris said. 

The fire impacted thousands of commuters as crews had to use fire hydrants from across the highway to help fight the flames. 

"It was inconvenient to shut down 301," Harris added. "We needed the extra water from across the street to put this out."

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