Fire erupts at Vida Winter Garden

Winter Garden Fire Rescue and Orange County Fire Rescue units responded to an apartment fire around 7:40 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Vida Winter Garden apartment complex. 

According to reports, the fire was coming from the third floor at 1223 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Crews made their way to the third floor where they encountered smoke coming from apartment #319. 

"After making entry they found heavy smoke and fire in the kitchen," Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose P. Gainza said. "The fire sprinkler system was activated (and) crews evacuated residents from all floors." 

The fire was put out at around 8:04 p.m. 

After that, overhaul and water removal procedures began. 

"Contact has been made with apartment management to have fire suppression system provider to respond to place system back in service," Gainza said. "Until such time, a fire watch will be required." 

Duke Energy and the building management currently are working with WGFRD to determine which apartments will need to be evacuated due to water damage.

He said the number of residents who will need to evacuate is unknown, but once that's figured out, they will reach out to Red Cross for housing assistance.