NAPLES, Fla. —
A fast-moving early-morning house fire on Estey Avenue nearly turned tragic Saturday, but quick action from firefighters—and a heroic neighbor—helped save a woman trapped inside.
Crews from the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District were dispatched around 1 a.m. on Nov. 30 after reports of a structure fire. When they arrived, heavy fire had already taken hold of multiple rooms, blocking every exit route from inside the home.
According to fire officials, the woman inside desperately attempted to escape through a window. But the windows had been screwed shut and were partially obstructed by an air conditioning unit, cutting off what should have been her secondary way out.
A neighbor who heard her cries for help rushed into the home’s lanai area and managed to assist her through a small opening above the window unit—an act firefighters say likely saved her life.
Crews quickly brought the fire under control, and no injuries were reported.
Following the incident, Greater Naples Fire issued a strong reminder to residents: never screw windows shut. Windows serve as a critical emergency escape route during fires, especially when interior exits become blocked by flames or smoke.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Fire officials continue to investigate.