Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to...Polk County Fire Rescue Respon...

Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Highland City House Fire, Fatality

Published: August 19, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2026) - Polk County Fire Rescue crews responded to a house fire in Highland City on Wednesday morning where they found a fatally wounded adult in the back yard who appeared to have been shot.

Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the scene at 11:42 a.m. and arrived minutes later. Initial crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. They immediately began an internal attack to extinguish the fire.

While more crews arrived, several other fires started throughout the structure. At the same time, firefighters searching the building found a deceased victim outside the home.

"Scenes like this show how unpredictable a fire call can be for firefighters," said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. "I commend our crews for their work on this scene and offer condolences to the family of the victim."

The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office and Polk County Sheriff's Office are investigating.