Car fire at Maple Crest Apartments being investigated as arson

An early Wednesday morning car fire at Maple Crest Apartments in Fort Myers is being investigated as potential arson.

The Fort Myers Fire Department was called to Maples Crest Apartments, located at 3628 Crestwood Lake Ave., just before 1 a.m. after a car was seen on fire in the complex’s parking lot. The battalion chief told WINK News at the scene that someone had already put the fire out before firefighters arrived.

No one was hurt, but FMFD believes the fire was set intentionally. The Fort Myers Police Department is present at Maple Crest Apartments for an arson investigation.

Firefighters said someone threw a smoke bomb into the case making it go up in flames.

“That woke us up and everybody was out. And we really didn’t know what was really happening until the lady who kept telling my husband. The car on fire the car on fire,” said Doris, who lives in the area.

Neighbors jumped into action and put the fire out before it spread.

“They react very quick. I mean, we were all sleeping. You know, we have to react here and where we live, you know, we live here. We got to protect it. You know, y’all got to stick together,” Doris said.

Doris said it was scary.

“Because it was so close to home to the window. And that was to blow up. That car was involved next to it. So we just kept going. It’s really crazy,” she said.

Doris said the owner of the vehicle that caught fire is a woman with young children.

“She’s a real nice lady. She never bothers anybody. You really don’t see her much. So I’m surprised that really happened to her. It’s sad to say,” Doris said.

Fort Myers police have not said if they have a suspect. If you know anything about the fire call the police department.