Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews responded to a fatal fire on Bendelow Drive in Lakeland on Wednesday morning. PCFR units upon arrival found an individual outside of the residence that required medical assistance and a working fire in a back bedroom of the single-family home. The injured patient was transported to a local hospital via helicopter.
PCFR members worked quickly getting the fire under control and while firefighting efforts took place other members conducted a search and found an individual inside the home. They pronounced that individual dead at the scene.
“It’s always a tragedy when death occurs in a manner like this — especially during the holiday season. All Polk County Fire Rescue members give our condolences to the family and friends of the individual that passed away,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “We also hope for a speedy recovery for the individual transported from the scene.”
PCFR crew members were not injured fighting the fire and
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
