By Daily Ridge
HIGHLAND CITY, Fla. – An investigation is underway after Polk County firefighters responding to a house fire Wednesday morning discovered a deceased adult in the backyard who authorities say appeared to have been shot.
Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the Highland City home at approximately 11:42 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to Public Safety Information Officer Layth Mekkaoui.
Firefighters arrived within minutes and encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. Crews immediately entered the structure and began attacking the fire.
As additional firefighters arrived, the situation became more complicated. According to Polk County Fire Rescue, several other fires began burning throughout the structure while crews were working to extinguish the initial fire.
During a search of the property, firefighters discovered a deceased adult outside the home in the backyard. Officials said the victim appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound.
“Scenes like this show how unpredictable a fire call can be for firefighters,” Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said. “I commend our crews for their work on this scene and offer condolences to the family of the victim.”
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased person or additional information about the circumstances surrounding the death.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
