Bartow house fire claims one life, Polk County Fire Rescue says

A house fire killed one on Halloween night according to Polk County Fire Rescue. Officials say they responded to a single-story home after a call about the fire around 10 p.m. Crews say the house was fille with smoke and flames when they got there, and they believed one person was inside. That person was found dead after a search, officials say.“On behalf of Polk County Fire Rescue, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of the person who died,” Fire Chief Shawn Smith said.The fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, while the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigates the death. Officials say the American Red Cross was called to help the family.