WHPD Press Release
Apartment Fire in Winter Haven Displaces 4 Families
Today at approximately 5:05 p.m., the Winter Haven Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire at Briarcrest Apartments, located at 200 Ave. K SE in Winter Haven. There were no injuries, except one dog was rescued from a balcony and taken to a local veterinarian to be evaluated. The dog is expected to make a full recovery.
With assistance from Polk County Fire Rescue, approximately 35 personnel responded to the apartment complex to find apartment #202, a second-story apartment, engulfed in flames. Heavy black smoke could be seen coming out of the roof with flames showing through back windows. Members from the Winter Haven Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted with road closures alone Ave. K. The roadway was closed down for approximately 45 minutes.
When fire personnel arrived, the family reported that there was a dog that was trapped on the second-story balcony. When fire personnel reached the balcony, the dog’s head was stuck in the railing of the balcony from an obvious attempt to flee the fire. The pup was freed and immediately given oxygen until a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy transported him to the veterinarian office. As stated before, the dog is expected to make a full recovery.
The fire was contained to one apartment, however due to the common roof, TECO had to cut all power and ultimately four families have been displaced. The Red Cross was notified to assist the families if needed.
The fire is still under investigation, but preliminary indicators show a possible cause was due to oil left unattended heating on the stove.
“Due to the great cooperation of all agencies involved, this fire was contained and quickly taken care of resulting in no injuries,” said Winter Haven Fire Administrator and Police Chief Charlie Bird.
