LAKELAND, Fla. — A stove left on in a mobile home community's clubhouse kitchen resulted in a fire that spread throughout the whole building in Lakeland.
According to the Lakeland Fire Department, firefighters responded to the fire at around 10 p.m. Once on scene at Hickory Hills Manor Mobile Home Community, they found a "fully-involved fire."
Firefighters "aggressively attacked" the fire that was engulfing the community's single-story clubhouse, the agency explains in a news release.
An investigation into the fire revealed the flames started in the clubhouse kitchen and eventually spread throughout the entire building and into the attic. The cause of the fire was connected back to an unattended stove left switched on.
Seven Lakeland Fire Department units responded to the scene along with a Polk County Fire Rescue medic unit and officers with the Lakeland Police Department. No firefighters were hurt while putting the blaze out.
Dan Shepherd, the president of the Home Owners Association at the Hickory Hills Manor Mobile Home Community, said the clubhouse was the heart of the neighborhood.
"We had dinners here every Thursday night, we had coffee and donuts every Friday morning," he said. "This building was used seven days a week. It's so sad."
Shepherd said the clubhouse contained office space, a library, a laundry room, large kitchen, and served as a dance and game hall. It was also where the community held its holiday celebrations. There had been plans to hold a large Thanksgiving lunch there Thursday afternoon.
Rather than cancel the plan, however, the community instead gathered near a pool, where they could reflect on all they were grateful for.
"I was just really grateful that no one was inside, because a building you can replace, but a life you can't," said resident Brianna Taylor.
"It's Thanksgiving!" Shepherd said. "Give thanks! Nobody got hurt. We're all good."
With this incident in mind, the fire department is reminding people of the risk that comes with cooking for the holidays.
"Statistics reveal that cooking is the primary cause of fires, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness during holiday preparations," leaders with the agency said in a statement. "Taking precautions and ensuring nothing is left unattended are key steps in avoiding such incidents.
"Let this incident serve as a reminder to keep our celebrations filled with joy, warmth, and perfectly cooked dishes while ensuring the safety of our homes and loved ones."