Two Killed in Auburndale Mobile Home Fire
Auburndale, Fla. (Aug. 12, 2025) – Two people were killed Tuesday afternoon after a mobile home caught fire on Gladiola Drive in Auburndale.
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews were dispatched at 1:23 p.m. following a 911 call from a neighbor who reported an explosion. When first responders arrived, they found the modular home engulfed in flames, along with a fully involved golf cart and a partially involved vehicle.
Firefighters began attacking the fire within minutes while also initiating a search of the residence. Two adults were located and pulled from the home, but both were pronounced dead at the scene. Their causes of death will be determined by autopsies scheduled for Wednesday, August 13.
“It’s always sad when deaths occur during emergency situations. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the individuals that passed,” said Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation, while the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
