Winter Haven Home Erupts In Flames After Antenna Hits Power Lines

WINTER HAVEN, FL -- A large Citizens Band radio antenna was blown over by strong winds Friday and is believed to have touched off a fire that swept through a home in the 900 block of Avenue M SE in Winter Haven.

"Firefighters found a home and adjacent shed on fire," explained Jamie Brown of the Winter Haven Police Department. "The sole occupant of the home had exited the structure and was not injured."

Winter Haven Public Safety Director Charlie Bird said he was thankful that no one was injured in the fire.

"Through the weather that was impacting our area, members of our fire department ensured there were no other properties or citizens impacted by this fire," he explained.

Brown said the incident occurred around 12:50 p.m. when the winds knocked over the antenna. It fell on nearby power lines.

"It appears this caused the power to surge through the home, causing the overload of power resulting in the fire," said Brown

She said the official cause of the blaze was still under investigation and that investigators continue to search for clues.

"There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters throughout the incident," Brown said. "The Red Cross is assisting the family of adults with temporary assistance."