Lakeland Manufacturing Facility Catches Fire; No Injuries Reported

LAKELAND, FL — It took 17 Lakeland Fire Department units to put out a structure fire at a manufacturing facility Tuesday.

The Lakeland Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at Carpenter Co. at 5150 Frontage Road S around 12:15 p.m. and found heavy smoke coming from the industrial warehouse and an evacuation in progress.

Plant personnel told firefighters that three employees were missing, but a search of the building found no one remaining inside. The company later accounted for all employees.

The company produces urethane foam manufactured for mattresses. According to fire investigators, a glue used in the production process ignited in an electrical power strip.

In addition to 17 Lakeland fire units, Lakeland police and Polk County Fire Rescue responded. There were no injuries.