LAKELAND, Fla.— The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has launched a death investigation following a fatal structure fire that claimed the life of an elderly woman Sunday morning on Scenic View Street.
Emergency calls reached the PCSO Emergency Communications Center at approximately 10:07 a.m. on February 1, reporting a single-wide mobile home heavily involved in flames. According to officials, several neighbors attempted to reach the resident trapped inside before first responders arrived, but the intensity of the fire prevented them from gaining access to the home.
Polk County Fire Rescue crews arrived on the scene and were able to extinguish the blaze. During a subsequent search of the property, the victim’s body was located in the master bedroom.
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The State Fire Marshal is currently investigating the origin of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have been caused by ‘improper cigarette disposal.’
While the fire investigation continues, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is handling the death investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for the coming week to officially determine the cause of death.
This story will be updated as information is released.
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