Early Sunday morning, firefighters responded to a fire at the Haven at Lake Deer apartments on 24th Street in Winter Haven, Florida. Crews arrived just before 11 a.m. and found heavy fire conditions inside one unit. Within about 20 minutes, they had the blaze under control.
Rapid response saved lives and pets
Winter Haven Fire Chief Drew Neubrand praised the quick action of residents and first responders. “This incident is a great reminder of how important working smoke detectors are in protecting lives,” he said. “The early warning provided by the smoke detector alerted the occupant to the danger and allowed them to evacuate safely.” The fire department emphasized that the smoke detector likely prevented injuries.
During the operation, firefighters rescued four kittens and one dog from the affected building. No civilians or firefighters were injured, and the fire caused fire, smoke, or water damage to four apartments.
Displacement and assistance
Five adults were displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross has stepped in to provide emergency shelter, clothing, and basic necessities to those affected. Officials are working with the displaced families to secure temporary housing while the apartments are repaired.
Investigators have preliminarily identified the laundry area of the apartment as the fire’s point of origin. The cause remains under investigation, and the fire department will release further details as they become available.
Community safety reminder
Chief Neubrand urged all Winter Haven residents to test their smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed. “Working smoke detectors provide critical seconds that can make all the difference,” he said. The department also reminded homeowners to keep laundry areas clear of flammable materials and to follow proper fire‑safety practices.
The Winter Haven Fire Department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates on the investigation and any additional assistance for the displaced families.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
