The Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at the intersection of Kathleen Road and West Campbell Road in Lakeland on Tuesday night at 9:33 p.m.
Crews arrived minutes after the initial call and immediately began applying water to the blaze. Firefighters continued battling the fire throughout the night.
The department was cleared from the initial scene early Wednesday morning. However, a rekindle was reported at 6:57 a.m., prompting a second response. Crews were cleared from the rekindle call at 7:35 a.m.
According to PCFR, the structure sustained a total loss as a result of the fire.
The State Fire Marshal has been notified and is investigating the cause of the fire.
According to the Kathleen Area Historical Society, the residence was previously owned by Joseph W. Tucker (1855-1942) and his wife, Martha Hancock Tucker (1858-1947), who married in 1878.
Community members have expressed sadness over the loss of this longstanding historic property. In addition, some local residents have voiced frustration regarding ongoing new home developments in the surrounding area, which has fueled community speculation. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE PIO; KATHLEEN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY; LOCAL RESIDENTS
