Naples, Fla. – Neal Communities donated the use of a site and five structures about to be demolished for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, along with neighboring fire districts, to conduct live fire training.
In March, about 400 personnel participated in nearly 150 hours of real-life training scenario simulations using the structures slated for demolition. The donated site will be the future home of Marquesa Isles, a new Naples neighborhood by Neal Communities.
The Greater Naples Fire District ignited small fires inside the structures to allow firefighters the opportunity to recognize the changing fire conditions in a controlled environment. All live fire-training exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled by certified Live Fire Instructor trainers.
“When given an acquired structure to train at, it is a huge blessing,” said Greater Naples Fire District Capt. Rusty Godette, who coordinated the training efforts. “Having a structure we don’t have to be careful with creates a more realistic atmosphere that translates to quality training.”
Emergency First responders from Lee and Collier County held field-training events in the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District for several scenarios, including firefighter search and rescue, forcible entry, hose-line operations, firefighter survival, new recruit orientation, fire investigations and SWAT and bomb operations.
“We truly appreciate our first responders and firefighters, and with this contribution, we wanted to provide them with the ability to have real-life training situations,” said Michael Greenberg, southwest Florida regional president for Neal Communities. “Four years ago, we made a similar donation with another property because we recognize how important this training is.”
Other participating personnel included the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County Emergency Medical Services, Marco Island Fire Rescue Department, North Collier Fire Rescue District, Florida State Fire Marshalls Office, City of Naples Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Port Authority.
Marquesa Isles is part of Neal Communities’ south region, which encompasses Lee and Collier Counties. The premier community will comprise of 156 villas on approximately 38 acres in Naples. The neighborhood will also feature an amenity building, a resort-style pool and a dog park. Located off County Barn Road, construction on Marquesa Isles is slated to begin in fall 2018.
