HAINES CITY, Fla. — In the early hours of January 21, 2024, Haines City Fire Department responded to a significant structure fire at a local residence off Polk City Rd. The blaze, which primarily consumed the rear of the mobile home, was reported at 5:55 a.m.
Firefighters from Haines City, alongside units from Polk County Fire Rescue, arrived at the scene to find heavy fire conditions, particularly at the rear of the mobile home, involving the ceiling void spaces and the rear wall. The 2 occupants of the home had safely evacuated to a neighbor’s house before the arrival of the fire crews. A rapid search of the premises was conducted to ensure no one was left inside.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported from this incident. Crews worked tirelessly for approximately two hours to fully extinguish the flames. The occupants acted swiftly to evacuate safely prior to first responders arriving.
The State Fire Marshal was consulted over the phone regarding the incident. After a detailed discussion of the circumstances, it was concluded that there was no suspicion of foul play.
Haines City Assistant Fire Chief Drew Neubrand emphasized the importance of safety during colder months, especially when using heating appliances.
“As we respond to incidents like the one at Polk City Road, it’s a crucial reminder of the risks associated with heaters. To ensure the safety of our community, we advise everyone to regularly inspect their heating units, keep combustible materials at a safe distance, and install smoke detectors in their homes. These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of fire and protect lives and property,” stated Asst. Fire Chief Neubrand.
Further updates will be provided if additional information becomes available.
