Naples house fire sends one to hospital, e-bike suspected cause

An early morning house fire broke out on the corner of Jefferson and Palm Street, just outside of Naples.

The Greater Naples Fire Department received the call at 1:18 a.m. on Thursday.

The home, divided into three apartments, housed a couple, their daughter, and another renter. A friend of one of the renters, who was staying at the home, suffered burns and was taken to a local hospital.

Everyone, including pets, managed to exit the home safely. The renters have been allowed to return to salvage what they can.

Firefighters left the scene just before 5 a.m., but investigators plan to return later in the morning to determine the cause of the fire. Initial findings suggest that an e-bike battery may have sparked the blaze.

Renters reported hearing the battery and seeing it spark near the back of the home. One renter recalled being woken by screams and her parents urging her to rescue her pets.

The Greater Naples Fire Department said the front of the home contained multiple e-bike parts and described the home as a complete loss. The City of Naples Fire Department, Collier EMS, and the Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene.

A renter told WINK News, "We will make the best of what we can."

The Red Cross is on its way to assist the displaced renters and their pets.