Multiple crews combat commercial building fire in Collier County

20 units and 41 firefighters responded to a commercial building fire in Collier County.

The fire was reported to the Greater Naples Fire Department at around 4:45 a.m. on Friday at 3581 Mercantile Ave. in Naples. The building belongs to Progress Rail, a transportation company.

The GNFD crews were assisted by the North Collier Fire, Naples Fire Rescue, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Collier Emergency Services.

According to the Public Information Officer of the Greater Naples Fire Department, an employee of the business started a heater for the building, which then ignited the fire.

16 employees of the building were evacuated, and no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

However, a firefighter was transported to the hospital due to overheating. The firefighter’s status and affiliation remain unknown.

The fire has has since been contained, and crews have begun cutting into the building to investigate the scene further.

A spokesperson for Progress Rail told us it is one of the largest global suppliers for class 1 railroads, shortlines and freight car manufacturers.

And because of this fire, they don’t know how long the company will be closed and how long employees will be out of work.