At 5:20 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, a structure fire was reported to Polk County Fire Rescue. it was quickly determined to be a residential fire, affecting a good portion of the house.
Witnesses say the smoke was visible from miles away.
Upon arriving at the scene, multiple units from PCFR were observed assisting at least two injured persons.
Amber Smith, Communications Division Director for Polk County Fire Rescue, has confirmed via an email statement that two patients were transported with injuries.
“Polk County Fire Rescue crews battled a residential house fire in Lake Wales on Friday evening. One adult and one pediatric patient were taken to a local hospital.
“Crews responded to the fire at 237 Shady Oak Ave., in Lake Wales at 5:20 p.m. The fire was fully involved when crews arrived on scene. Three adult dogs and seven puppies died in the fire. No PCFR personnel were injured in the fire.
“The incident is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office.’
