Woman dies in blaze near Auburndale

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 72-year-old woman died early Tuesday when her home caught fire near Auburndale, Polk County Fire Rescue said.

The fire was reported shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Winter Ridge Drive near K-Ville Avenue and State Road 570, agency spokesman Kevin Watler said.

Firefighters said flames engulfed three-quarters of the manufactured home, killing Alvina VanGorder.

The woman's husband, John VanGorder, 74, their son, Larry VanGorder, 48, and his girlfriend, Michelle Gibson, 39, were able to escape the blaze uninjured, Walter said.

Of the three dogs who also live in the home, firefighters said only one was found. It was uninjured.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Walter said the state's Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is investigating the fire’s cause, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the woman’s death.

No other details were given.

Cox Media Group