47 people are without a place to live after fire ripped through a Naples apartment complex Monday night.
North Collier Fire crews responded to the Bear Creek apartments off Airport-Pulling Road around 2:00 pm Monday. They found one of the buildings in flames.
"Upon doing a search on the 3rd floor, one of the firefighters became trapped after a partial roof collapse," said North Collier Fire Chief James Cunningham.
That firefighter was treated for minor injuries. Several people from surrounding buildings were also evacuated.
"I thought it was gonna spread, get to other buildings, hurt somebody," said Alexandria Wright.
One resident said he smelled smoke before the fire, but did not call firefighters because he said the smell went away.
"There was some work being done on the building and we are trying to figure out what that was, but we believe the fire was well advanced before we were notified," said Cunningham.
The Red Cross is assisting those affected by the fire. They are accepting only new donations of canned goods, clothes and bedding. No used items.
Donations can also be dropped off at the office at Bear Creek.
