By Carl Fish
Investigators have determined that an electrical fault caused the fatal house fire that claimed the lives of two people Sunday morning in northeast Winter Haven.
According to an update from the Winter Haven Fire Department, the fire originated from an electrical fault at an outlet in an extended room at the rear of the residence.
Firefighters responded shortly after 10:13 a.m. to the home on 5th Street NE, where crews encountered heavy fire conditions upon arrival. The fire was brought under control within approximately five minutes, according to officials.
Two people were located deceased inside the home during search operations.
The victims have been identified only as an adult male resident of the home and an adult female visitor. Officials said next of kin have been notified, but the victims’ names have not yet been released publicly.
The official cause of death for both individuals remains pending the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the investigation, which determined the blaze was accidental and originated from an electrical failure involving an outlet in the home’s rear addition.
No additional information has been released at this time.
