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WHEELING - Thirty-two golf carts and one utility cart were destroyed in a suspicious fire early today at the Wheeling Country Club.

The blaze, reported before dawn, also caused a significant amount of damage to the portion of blacktop the carts were parked on as well as the surrounding terrain and pool furniture at the facility.

Lt. Steve Rogers, who is a fire investigator with the Wheeling Fire Department, said today the fire deptartment got a call at 4:55 a.m. that there was a fire at the Wheeling Country Club.

He said when fire crews arrived, the golf carts were fully engulfed in flames. Rogers said it took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Susan Crall, manager for the Wheeling Country Club, said a short time after their security alarm went off, a passing motorist called to report the blaze as well. She said the carts are "obviously" a complete loss.

"The pavement is not even two weeks old," Crall said, referring to the blacktop on which the carts were parked.

She said there was damage to parts of the golf course as well. Crall said officials told her they believe the damage to the golf course was caused by a pickup truck, judging by the wheel marks and the spacing of the marks.

Rogers said he was called for an investigation, but since it is out of the department's jurisdiction, he had to notify the Triadelphia Volunteer Fire Department. Rogers said they will lend assistance to the department in the matter. He said the state fire marshal was notified as well and would be on the scene today.

The property is located in the Triadelphia VFD district, but an error in dispatching sent the Wheeling Fire Department to the scene.