The fire at Jarrett-Gordon Ford in Winter Haven on January 20, 2026, was a significant event for the local community, especially given its location right on Highway 17.
Here is the current status of their recovery and the details regarding the damage:
Damage & Impact
- Vehicle Loss: While initial reports estimated 20 vehicles, the final count of destroyed vehicles reached 31. Many of these were cars that were in the service bays for maintenance or repairs at the time.
- The Blaze: The fire started around 10:40 a.m. in the service bay building. Firefighters faced major hazards, including 2,000 gallons of oil and various fuel sources that caused tires to pop and small explosions during the containment.
- No Injuries: Remarkably, despite the intensity of the smoke (which was visible for miles) and the hazardous materials, all staff and customers were evacuated safely with no reported injuries.
Rebuilding & Current Status
- Service Relocation: To keep operations moving, service is currently being handled at the Lincoln dealership located right next door. Customers have reported that maintenance is proceeding as usual through that facility while the Ford service center is being rebuilt.
- Reconstruction: The dealership has officially begun rebuilding the destroyed service center. They have been active on social media, providing updates to customers whose vehicles were affected and coordinating with insurance companies to resolve their claims.
- Cause Identified: Recent updates from the dealership in April 2026 have addressed the cause of the fire. Notably, they were quick to dispel early rumors that the fire was started by an EV charger or battery.
If you had a vehicle there or are looking to schedule service, the dealership is still operational—you’ll just be pulling into the Lincoln bays next door for the time being.
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