Firefighters against lithium-ion blazing golf carts.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella
A spectacular blaze erupted late last night at the prestigious Guadalmina Golf Course in Marbella, Spain, completely destroying around 100 electric golf carts. These vehicles, essential for players navigating the expansive course, are valued at approximately €10,000 each, potentially resulting in losses exceeding €1 million.
Incident details and response
The fire broke out in the designated storage and charging area for the electric golf carts at Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, in San Pedro de Alcantara near Marbella. Local firefighters from Marbella rushed to the scene and successfully contained the flames, preventing any spread to other parts of the facility or surrounding areas. No injuries were reported. Initial reports indicate the blaze originated in the zone where the electric vehicles are parked and charged. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the involvement of the electric carts or their charging systems is suspected, a common risk with battery-powered equipment.
Impact on the golf course
Guadalmina Golf, featuring two renowned 18-hole courses (North and South), is a popular destination for golfers on Spain’s southern coast. The loss of such a large fleet of buggies could temporarily disrupt operations, particularly for players who rely on them for mobility across the hilly terrain. Club management is expected to address replacements and any adjustments to services in the coming days.
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Similar fires at golf courses in recent years
Electric golf cart fires, often linked to battery charging or malfunctions, have occurred at various golf facilities worldwide in recent years:
In February 2026, a fire at Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin, Texas, damaged a cart barn, with lithium batteries complicating firefighting efforts.
October 2025 saw dozens of golf carts destroyed in a storage building fire at a Cambria County, Pennsylvania, golf course.
In 2023, a clubhouse at Eastern Golf Club near Melbourne, Australia, was destroyed by a fire tied to charging lithium-ion batteries in golf carts.
Also in 2023, a Jacksonville, Florida, home was lost to a blaze started by a golf cart’s lithium-ion battery during charging.
Earlier incidents include a 2022 fire on Sanibel Island, Florida, where golf carts at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club burst into flames due to lithium batteries exposed to salt water after Hurricane Ian.
However, this is the first such incident recorded in Spain and shows growing concerns over lithium-ion battery safety in golf carts, prompting calls for better charging protocols and fire prevention measures at courses globally.