LAKELAND, Fla. -- The residents of a Lakeland assisted living facility forced to evacuate from the building due to a fire on the roof Tuesday were still displaced a day later, as efforts continued to repair damage and clear the building's air of smoke.
- Investigators: fire determined to be accidental
- Using dehumidifiers, fans to get smoke out
- Not known yet when residents might be able to return
The fire broke out around 12:30 p.m. at Lake Morton Plaza in downtown Lakeland. Fire investigators have since determined the fire started in a rooftop electrical box and was accidental in nature.
On Wednesday, the smell of smoke still permeated some portions of the building.
Peggy Snow, 87, said her daughter was visiting her when the fire started.
“It didn’t sink in," Snow said. "I was having lunch and my daughter said, 'there’s smoke. I think we need to leave.'”
Snow said she just lost her husband, and her daughter was visiting her to make sure she was ok. Together, they walked down six flights of stairs during the evacuation.
Others had to be carried out by first responders. There were 128 residents inside the building at the time, according to Lake Morton Plaza staff.
Snow said she’s glad the fire department came quickly to assist others.
“We were well taken care of. Our staff was awesome," Snow said. "The first responders, I can’t say enough nice things. We are so blessed to be in Lakeland and how Lakeland all came together to help us."
While Snow will be in Jacksonville with her daughter until she can return, she knows some of her friends aren’t as fortunate. She’s one of 52 that went with family.
“I’m sure the ones that are in these facilities are upset because they don’t have their clothes," Snow said. "They don’t have anything unless they come back, and I understand they were coming back and getting clothes for people in the facilities. But I’m sure they’re upset. They’re old and old people get upset easily."
Return date for residents unknown
Dehumidifiers and fans are being used to clear the air inside Lake Morton Plaza of smoke following Tuesday's fire. (Stephanie Claytor, staff)
Regional director Brandon Stephens said the others were taken to their sister communities, and confirmed that the fire was contained to the roof.
“The flames did not reach inside to the interior. The smoke did from the elevator,” said Stephens. “As far as what we’re waiting on ... the roof was burned off, so we’re just getting quotes to get the roof replaced so there’s not any leaking from the storms.”
They’re also using dehumidifiers and fans to get rid of smoke. It’s unknown when the residents will be able to return.
“Definitively, they will not be back this week,” Stephens said.
Managers are on site if residents need to stop by to pick up anything. To do so they can call (863) 683-1000.
Failed an annual fire inspection
Through a public records request, we learned Lake Morton Plaza failed an annual fire inspection on March 19.
The violations included not having a listed breaker locking device and not having fire department connections labeled with a sign. Stephens confirmed both items had been addressed, and that allowed firefighters to quickly put out the fire.
According to the Lakeland Code Enforcement Office, the building has only been cited for sign code violations. Brian Rewis, with code enforcement, said “there are no records of any complaints or other violations associated with the building exterior or interior."
Rewis said there was one active building permit for the installation of a mini-split 3 ton air conditioner, issued to Springer Bros. A/C & Heating on June 21.
The Lakeland Fire Department initially tweeted that workers were working on an AC unit when the fire started on the roof.