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AUBURNDALE, Fla. (WFLA) — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has identified two people who died after an Auburndale home caught fire Tuesday afternoon.
James Bolender, 67, and his wife, Valerie Bolender, 63, were still inside the mobile home on Gladiola Drive when the fire started, officials said.
Crews received a 911 call shortly after 1 p.m. and arrived to find the home engulfed in flames, according to Polk County Fire Rescue. A golf cart and vehicle had also caught fire.
Credit: Polk County Fire Rescue Credit: Polk County Fire Rescue Credit: Polk County Fire Rescue Credit: Polk County Fire Rescue
Some firefighters began dousing the flames while others went inside to try to find the residents. Officials said James and Valerie Bolender were pulled from the home but did not survive.
They were both pronounced dead at the scene. Their autopsies were completed by the Medical Examiner’s office Wednesday, and the sheriff’s office said no foul play or trauma was observed.
Their injuries were consistent with a fire-related death, according to officials.
“It’s always sad when deaths occur during emergency situations,” Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the individuals that passed.”
The cause of the fire was still under investigation Wednesday. Authorities said preliminary information indicates the blaze was likely accidental.
