Woman identified in deadly North Naples house fire; investigators say blaze does not appear suspicious

NORTH NAPLES, Fla. — Investigators have identified the woman who died in a house fire in North Naples over the holiday weekend as they continue working to determine what caused the blaze.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as 47-year-old Pamela Messano of Naples. Deputies say 54-year-old Timothy Leppert was also inside the home on Hickory Road when the fire started Saturday morning. Leppert made it out of the home and told first responders Messano was still inside.

The fire happened just before 10 a.m. Saturday at a home on Hickory Road near the Goodlette-Frank Road and Vanderbilt Beach Road intersection.

READ MORE: 1 dead, firefighter among 2 hospitalized after North Naples house fire

According to a 911 call obtained by WINK News, the incident began as a reported carbon monoxide alarm. While speaking with a dispatcher, the alarm company said a heat detector had also gone off, alerting authorities that there could be a fire.

By the time North Collier Fire Rescue crews arrived, heavy smoke was pouring from the home.

Firefighters found Messano dead inside. Leppert was taken to the hospital with burn injuries. A North Collier firefighter was also hospitalized after suffering heat exhaustion while battling the blaze. The department says that the firefighter has since been released and is recovering at home.

Fire officials say the size of the home, the fire spreading through the roof and eaves, and the dangerous heat with triple-digit heat index values contributed to the need for second- and third-alarm responses.

George Basler, a licensed ham radio operator in Naples, said he was monitoring emergency radio traffic as firefighters responded to the call. He says this one stood out.

"I've listened to thousands and thousands of calls like this, and this one was completely different," Basler said.

Basler said the determination he heard from firefighters left a lasting impression.

"The firefighter was just so dedicated. It was just such dedication. It was way above and beyond," Basler said.

His comments reflect what he says he heard while monitoring emergency radio traffic during the response.

When WINK News returned to the home on Monday, North Collier Fire crews were still stopping by the property as the investigation continued. WINK News also went door to door in the neighborhood, hoping to learn more about the people who were inside the home.

WINK News reached out to Messano's family for comment. They declined to speak at this time. WINK News also reached out to Leppert, but has not heard back.

North Collier Fire Rescue says investigators do not believe the fire was suspicious, but they are still working to determine what caused it. The investigation remains ongoing.