Hoover Haven Apartments Fire Damages 12 Units, No Injuries

A fire at The Haven Apartments in Hoover, Alabama, damaged 12 units early on Sunday, October 18, 2026, displacing roughly 20 people. Nobody was hurt, and fire officials have not yet said what started the blaze.

What happened

WBRC reported that Hoover Fire got the call at 4:59 a.m. for the complex on Chace Lake Drive Crews found heavy fire in a three-story apartment building. Hoover Fire said all residents were able to get out of the building safely, and the fire was under control in about 45 minutes. ABC 33/40 gave the address as 2903 Chace Lake Drive.

Twelve units suffered fire, smoke or water damage, according to the fire department. Neither residents nor firefighters were reported injured.

How many people were displaced

Reports differ slightly on the count. WBRC, citing the Red Cross, said around 20 people were displaced; ABC 33/40 cited the American Red Cross for about 22. Both figures come from the same relief organization at different moments, so the number is best read as roughly 20 to 22. Officials have not said when residents may be able to return.

Help for residents

The American Red Cross of Alabama responded and offered emotional support and financial assistance to displaced residents, WBRC reported. The nonprofit Hatching Hope provided disaster kits that included air mattresses, sheets and toiletries. People affected by the fire who need help can call the Red Cross of Alabama at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

A separate townhome fire in Hoover the same evening, at the Chase Plantation community, displaced six people, WBRC reported. No injuries were reported there either, and the cause of both fires is under investigation.

What this means for renters

A fire that begins around 5 a.m. catches residents asleep, which is when working alarms and a rehearsed exit plan matter most. Renters in multistory buildings can take these steps:

• Plan two exits from every room and agree on a meeting spot outside, as the Red Cross urged after the Hoover fires.
• Use space heaters carefully. The Red Cross advises staying in the room and awake while one is running, leaving clear space around it and never plugging it into an extension cord.
• Ask about the building. You can ask a landlord in writing whether the building has working alarms, and whether sprinklers or fire doors are present.

After a fire, displaced tenants should contact the landlord about the status of the lease and rent for the damaged unit, photograph any belongings and keep receipts for emergency expenses. Renters insurance can cover temporary lodging; see our guide to renters insurance after a fire. Do not assume a cause until the fire department announces one.