Quick response from Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) to a modular home fire in far northeast Polk County Friday night saved an entire community from what could have been far more serious damage.
PCFR crews were called at about 5:15 p.m. to a two-alarm fire in a community at 9000 Highway 192 in the Four Corners area. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fully engulfed mobile home with additional structures approximately five to 10 feet away. They worked quickly to ensure that all occupants of the mobile home were accounted for. Neighboring units were also exposed to flames, heat, and smoke due to wind conditions threatening to spread the fire. The fire was contained to several units, with 6 units being damaged by fire and another four from secondary smoke and heat.
Polk County Fire was assisted by units from Lake, Orange and Osceola counties due to the geographic location of the incident and to ensure that there were appropriate resources on the scene. At one time there were approximately 50 personnel on scene, which include several tankers. Two residents were transported to local hospitals. There were no firefighters were injured.
“Polk County Fire Rescue was at its best tonight, responding to a situation that could have been much more tragic,” said Fire Chief Hezedean Smith, D.M. “Our quick response time, five minutes, and assistance from multiple mutual-aid agencies were key to controlling this fire scene. The teamwork exhibited between responders from all four counties was also a factor in controlling the incident.”
The fire is currently being investigated by the State Fire Marshal.