Rooftop fire empties Lakeland senior living building

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A fire at a senior living facility forced a number of people from their homes today, but crews say the fire is now out.

According to Lakeland Fire Rescue, the blaze broke out on the roof of the Meridian Lake Morton Plaza building at 400 South Florida Avenue, which is at Lime Street.  Crews were working on an air conditioning unit atop the 10-story building at the time.

The fire sent black smoke billowing from the top of the building, and even with the fire now out, smoke is drifting down through the units. 

Firefighters are now working to ventilate the building.  All residents have been evacuated in the meantime.

There was no immediate word of any injuries.