Deadly fire prompts change to Fort Myers Beach fire code

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- A deadly fire on Fort Myers Beach may lead to big changes, including an updated fire code.

The local fire marshal wants more home inspections on the island. The sister of a woman who died in the duplex fire is praising the calls for change.

“We were hoping she did come out, but she didn’t.”

For the first time since the fire, the family of Joanne Finney is talking to WINK News. Finney was trapped inside her home and didn’t make it out.

“I have tears for my sister every day.”

Finney’s home burned to the ground right in front of our WINK News camera on Sunday, May 24.

Her sister Tara says the house Finney lived in on Estero Boulevard should have been inspected for fire hazards.

“She has been here for 20 some years, and that little house she was in needed work.”

Now, the Fort Myers Beach fire marshal is committed to change. Captain Ron Martin is working on the first-ever local fire ordinance for the beach. He wants to see single and two family structures, short term and vacation rentals inspected every year.

“I lost my sister because of this. I don’t want to see other family members lose somebody this same way.”

“I am committed 100 percent as the fire marshal to making sure this doesn’t happen again in my jurisdiction,” said Captain Ron Martin.

Under the current code, one and two family structures are exempt from safety inspections.

“They don’t need to be annually inspected , they don’t need to be reviewed unless there is a local ordinance,” said Martin.

The Beached Whale and Gulf Shore Grill are currently hosting a fundraiser for the two fire victims that made it out alive. The event runs until 1 a.m. There are special drinks, raffles, and an auction.

Reese’s and Subway at Key Estero Shops are also collecting money for Finney’s family and funeral costs.