A family is left homeless after a massive fire destroyed their home on Tuesday night in Lakeland.
Polk County Fire Rescue and the Bartow Fire Department responded to a house fire at the 1200 block of Lake Point Drive just after 10 p.m. Tuesday night.
The 3,759 square foot wood frame home was heavily involved in fire when firefighters arrived.
The winds were strong and blew flames towards the home next door. A Polk County deputy evacuated the threatened homes before firefighters arrived.
Everyone was accounted for, so firefighters focused on protecting the nearby structures.
RELATED | Stay Informed: Current fire conditions, burn bans and safety tips to protect your home
The resident of the home, Carson Brawley told ABC Action News that three cats are currently missing.
Firefighters used a ladder truck as well as brush trucks to extinguish the blaze. The fire was brought under control by midnight. No one was injured and no other homes were severely damaged.
Five people lived at the home, three adults and two children and one family dog. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family.
The home was completely destroyed but is insured.
As the sun comes up, we have a better view of what's left after the fire. Family DID make it out alive. #Lakeland #GMTB @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/CIGugOj50x
— Lauren St. Germain (@LaurenWFTS) May 17, 2017
The cause of the fire is undetermined, so the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations were called to carry out an investigation.
