North Naples neighbors rally after house fire damages local home

A house fire in North Naples caused significant damage, prompting neighbors to spring into action. The blaze erupted Monday afternoon in the Palm River neighborhood.

From the front, the home appeared intact primarily, but severe damage was visible at the back. Neighbors reported rushing to help as soon as they saw smoke and flames.

"There was so much smoke and embers were flying," said neighbor Matthew Kurko.

"It was shocking. You don’t ever expect it to be right near you," said Maddie Diaz, another neighbor.

Kurko said he made sure someone had called 911 as he ran to the scene. He recounted that the woman living in the home made it out safely but was in a panic looking for her husband.

"The homeowner came outside. There’s a woman. She was looking for her husband, and she said, 'Where’s my husband, where’s my husband,'" said Kurko. "He came around from the other side and said, 'Here I am.'"

Once both were safe, Kurko said the woman attempted to return inside to retrieve an essential item.

"She said, 'I have a significant envelope I need to get.' I went with her. As soon as we got right inside, it was pretty clear that going any further was not going to be safe. She was not thrilled, but I made her leave," said Kurko.

According to North Collier fire officials, the fire started from a battery bank attached to solar panels. Neighbors expressed concern over the volume of smoke.

"Based on how much black smoke there was, we thought the house was going to be a total loss," said Kurko.

Others in the neighborhood remained focused on supporting the family.

"Anything any of us can do for them, we would," said Diaz.

No injuries were reported. Fire crews checked the home several times overnight and returned today to ensure there were no remaining hot spots.