WINTER HAVEN, FL – Two elderly adults died in a house fire Sunday morning at a home in Winter Haven. Firefighters and Polk County Fire Rescue responded at approximately 10:16 a.m. to a reported structure fire at 1911 5th St. NE, where crews arrived to find a single-story residence with heavy fire and smoke showing, according toWinter Haven Police. Firefighters were immediately advised that two adults were trapped inside the rear portion of the home, while two other adults had escaped safely before emergency crews arrived.
Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack and brought the fire under control within five minutes. During a search of the residence, crews located the two elderly victims in the rear of the home under heavy fire conditions. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary information indicates the fire originated in the back portion of the residence where the victims were found. The Winter Haven Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross has been notified to assist those affected by the incident.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic fire,” Winter Haven Fire Chief Drew Neubrand said. “We also recognize the impact this incident has on our entire community, and we are grateful that two adults were able to escape safely.”
SOURCE: WINTER HAVEN POLICE
