Press Release
Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 19, 2023) — On Thursday, October 18, 2023, at 5:47 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) and Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) responded to a two-alarm commercial building fire on Munn Avenue in Lakeland. The second alarm response was due to the building’s size, type and risk of the fire extending to adjacent units.
The first crews arrived on the scene within four minutes and initiated an aggressive fire attack. Twenty units were on the scene, including 18 PCFR units and two LFD units. The fire was under control in under 30 minutes. No injuries were reported on the scene.
“Both Polk County Fire Rescue and Lakeland Fire Department exemplified exceptional firefighting strategy and tactics in their response to this incident,” stated Fire Chief Hezedean Smith, D.M. “Between the quick response, aggressive fire attack, seamless communication, and excellent interagency teamwork, this was an impressive display of our members’ work.”
The fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal.
