HAINES CITY, FL – In the early morning hours of July 15, 2025, at approximately 1:27 AM, the Haines City Fire Department, with support from Polk County Fire Rescue, responded to a two-alarm commercial structure fire on North Railroad Avenue, within the city limits of Haines City.
Crews arrived on scene within five minutes and encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. During firefighting operations, the structure flashed, and powerlines fell near personnel working on scene. Firefighters quickly retreated to a safe area and resumed suppression efforts. Thanks to the coordinated response from Haines City Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue, the fire was swiftly contained and extinguished, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.
The structure was confirmed to be unoccupied, and no injuries to civilians or fire personnel were reported.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
“This was a dangerous and fast-moving incident,” said Fire Chief Codi Donahoe. “The fact that every firefighter went home safely is a direct result of their training, quick decision-making, and teamwork under pressure.”
N. Railroad Avenue remains closed between Cedar Street and Ash Street as the structure is assessed. Residents are encouraged to avoid the area.
