24 Apartments Forced To Evacuate In Lakeland Fire

LAKELAND, FL -- A stubborn fire raged for more than three hours at the Arbor Glen Apartments Monday, prompting the evacuation of a number of residents, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.

The agency's Janel Vasallo said the blaze displaced all of the residents of the apartment building's 24 units. The complex is located at 4950 Deep Forest Court in Lakeland.

"Upon arriving, crews began evacuating residents, including the use of forceful entry into apartment units to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents," she explained. "Upon successfully evacuating residents, crew began the search for the source of the smoke and found fire in the attic on the south-side of the building."

The attic where the fire broke out was on a third floor of the building.

"The fire quickly spread through the attic of the structure and the nature of the blaze intensified, which led to a defensive attack in attempts to control the blaze," explained Vasallo. "An aerial water supply was provided from Tower 15, Engine 61, and Engine 71, which surrounded the building as well as master streams from the ground level."

The fire broke out around 5:30 p.m. and was contained around 8:45 p.m. Firefighters later reentered the structure to eliminate remaining hot spots and search for pets.

Arbor Glen apartments, which is owned by Greystone Property, has been working with residents to contact insurers and find other accommodations.

The American Red Cross was also helping displaced residents. The Lakeland Fire Department received emergency assistance from Polk County Fire Rescue under a mutual aid agreement.

Watch below as first responders attempt to gain control of the blaze:

No injuries were reported.