Victim Rescued After Being Trapped In Home On Fire In Bartow

BARTOW, FL — Polk County Fire Rescue firefighters responded to a medical call in Babson Park Saturday night that turned out to be a structure fire with a trapped victim.

Firefighters attempted to gain entry through the front door, but were unsuccessful. So firefighters entered through a side window, where they removed plywood and a glass barrier, only to be confronted with items stacked from the floor to the ceiling.

Firefighters became aware of a person trapped inside. The victim stuck their head out of a bathroom window but the window was too small for the victim to climb through.

The squad captain provided the victim with a breathing mask and then firefighters used specialized tools to create a larger opening around the bathroom window.

The trapped victim was successfully rescued within nine minutes of firefighters' arrival and was airlifted to a trauma center.

Firefighters then put out the fire.

“The timely response, meticulous execution on the fire ground and steadfast commitment to public safety demonstrated by the team exemplify the core values of PCFR,” said Polk County Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith.

In 2022, Polk County Fire Rescue responded to about 1,300 structure fires, with 25 percent classified as "immediately dangerous to life and health."

“I’m proud of the dedication and readiness exhibited by PCFR members in addressing all hazards within Polk County’s expansive jurisdiction,” Smith said.