UPDATE: A fire burned about 20 cars and engulfed the entire service bay at Jarrett-Gordon Ford in Winter Haven on Jan. 20.
The Winter Haven Fire Department said in a news release Tuesday afternoon that the fire started shortly after 10:30 a.m. in the service bay of the dealership at 3015 Lake Alfred Road (U.S. 17).
PHOTOS BY Eye In The Sky News – Polk County
Crews found an active fire located in the service bays on the back of the property.
Firefighters from Winter Haven Fire, Polk County Fire and Lake Alfred Fire attacked the fire, containing it to the service bays while dealing with several hazards on the scene, including 2,000 gallons of oil and multiple different fuel sources, the fire department said. The fire was under control in approximately 35 minutes.
Everyone was evacuated safely and there were no injuries to dealership staff, customers or firefighters. Fire crews remained on scene at 1:30 p.m. to ensure there are no hot spots. The state fire marshal was also on scene with Winter Haven fire investigators.
The department said U.S. 17, which was closed in both directions from Havendale Boulevard to U.S. 98, would remain shut down to thru traffic because of the fire equipment in the area. That closure could last until about 3 p.m.
Previous report:
A fire started in the service bay of Jarrett-Gordon Ford on U.S. 17 in Winter Haven the morning of Jan. 20.
The Winter Haven Fire Department and Police Department, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, were on the scene at 3015 Lake Alfred Road (U.S. 17) as of 11 a.m.
U.S. 17 is shut down in both directions. The city said drivers should be aware of the closure if attempting to use U.S. 17 between Havendale Boulevard and U.S. 92.