1 killed, 1 injured in Lakeland house fire: PCFR
Fatal Lakeland house fire
A house fire that killed one person and injured another on New Year’s Eve in Lakeland is under investigation. FOX 13’s Carla Bayron reports.
LAKELAND, Fla. - A deadly house fire is under investigation in Lakeland.
What we know:
The fire broke out on Wednesday morning at a residence on Bendelow Drive in Lakeland, near the Huntington Hills Golf Club.
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Upon arrival, first responders said they found someone outside the home who needed medical attention.
Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue
That person was flown to an area hospital for medical assistance.
While trying to put out the fire, which was in the back bedroom, firefighters said they found another person inside.
That individual died at the scene.
Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue
Dig deeper:
Ann Gannon called 911 when she noticed the couple's home on fire. She says the wife suffered from dementia, and her bedroom was in the back of the house. The husband had made it outside but couldn't get back in to save her.
She describes the couple as great neighbors.
"He was standing out there just covered. He had black char all over him. He was bleeding. He was burnt," Gannon said. "They take good care of their house and we help each other. We're all that way around here--My next-door neighbor and people across the street. "
What they're saying:
"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."
Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue
What we don't know:
It is unclear what caused the fire. It is under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office.
The condition of the person flown to the hospital is also unknown as of noon on Wednesday.
Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue
The Source: This article was written with information gathered at the scene of the deadly fire by FOX 13's Carla Bayron.