Hoover Haven Apartments Fire Damages 12 Units, Displaces 22

A fire that broke out before sunrise on Sunday, October 18, 2026, damaged 12 units at The Haven Apartments in Hoover, Alabama, and left residents without homes. Everyone got out safely, according to the Hoover Fire Department.

What happened

Hoover firefighters were called to the complex, in the 2900 block of Chace Lake Drive, at about 4:59 a.m. One local station lists the address as 2903 Chace Lake Drive. Crews arrived at a three-story building with heavy fire showing and had the blaze under control in roughly 45 minutes, the department said.

Twelve apartments were affected. The department described some of them as having heavy fire damage and others as having smoke and water damage, a common pattern in multi-unit buildings, where hoses and sprinkler or firefighting water can ruin homes that were never touched by flames.

Who was affected

No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross said about 22 people were displaced. The first station report we reviewed did not give a count, so the Red Cross figure is the only number available, and it may change as the organization finishes assessing needs.

Aid for residents

The Red Cross of Alabama responded to the complex, provided financial assistance and temporary housing, and worked with the nonprofit Hatching Hope to hand out disaster relief kits that included air mattresses, linens and toiletries. The organization said it would keep working with residents and property management.

Management at the complex declined to say when the damaged units would be inspected and repaired or when residents might return.

Cause

The cause has not been determined. The fire department is investigating, and no cause should be assumed until officials announce one.

What this means for renters

• Ask for a written timeline. If your building is closed after a fire, ask management in writing when it will be inspected, whether your unit is habitable and how rent will be handled while you are out.
• Check your lease and local law. Many leases and state laws address rent abatement or lease termination when a unit becomes unlivable. Alabama tenants who are unsure can contact a legal aid office.
• Use renters insurance. Policies often include loss-of-use coverage for hotel and meal costs. Keep receipts and photograph anything you can. Our guide on renters insurance after a fire explains the basics.
• Keep Red Cross contact details. The organization can help with short-term lodging and replacement of essentials, and caseworkers can point to longer-term help.

We will update this report if the fire department names a cause or management announces when residents can return.