LAKE WALES — A family was displaced Monday night after a fire broke out at the Lake Wales Garden Apartments, located at 504 South 4th Street.
According to the fire report, Lake Wales Fire Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Lake Wales Police Department responded around 8:12 PM to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a second-floor apartment in Building 10. Smoke was already venting from the windows when firefighters arrived.
Crews made entry into the burning unit while others evacuated residents from all eight apartments in the building. Fire officials confirmed that the entire building was safely evacuated, and firefighters performed a primary and secondary search to ensure no one was left inside. They also searched for the resident’s missing pets.
The fire was quickly brought under control, though smoke continued to push through the structure during overhaul.
Investigators say the fire originated in a bedroom and was caused by a candle, which was determined to be an unintentional ignition. Damage is estimated at $100,000 to the building and an additional $25,000 to contents.
No injuries were reported.
Fire crews ventilated neighboring apartments and checked for extension. Seven of the units were later cleared for residents to return, but the fire-damaged apartment was deemed unsafe.
A resident who alerted neighbors is credited by firefighters as helping make sure everyone was able to evacuate.
The displaced family, including adults and children, is receiving assistance.
