Fire displaces six families at South Nashville apartment complex

At least six families lost their homes at the Harding Glen Condos off Harding Place in South Nashville following a fire that started Sunday morning. The blaze began in an upstairs apartment and forced tenants to evacuate the building. Firefighters contained the flames, but the fire department is still investigating the cause.

Residents described the chaos of the evacuation. One tenant who was inside their unit saw smoke from the porch and immediately took their children outside. They observed a neighbor running down the street with her two kids, searching for her animals. Water from the firefighting efforts seeped into other apartments, reaching closets, dining rooms, and stored clothing. One resident noted that humidity from the water poses a risk to their children’s health.

Tenants expressed concern about the structural safety of their units. Several said they do not know if there are gas or electrical issues. One resident pointed out that the walls of their apartment are close to an air conditioner, fueling fears of another incident. A mother of a son with cerebral palsy said she cannot sleep in the apartment until she knows it is safe because he has trouble breathing. She stated that she is not going to the hospital due to the situation and that management has not provided a solution.

Residents say they have been left in limbo by property management. Neighbors noted that multiple managers oversee the building. One manager told reporters they are waiting for the results of the fire investigation before taking next steps. Tenants said they called management after the fire and were told someone would arrive the next morning. At the time of the interview, no one had come, and residents had received no further response.

The displacement is compounded by the cost of housing. One resident said they are trying to find another place to live but found it expensive. Tenants asked management to return this month’s rent, which they have already paid, so they can secure temporary housing. One resident recalled a previous fire at the same apartments one or two years ago, noting that only the affected area was closed at that time. Families are now relying on managers to help them find a safe place to stay as the weather turns colder.

The exact number of affected units remains unclear to residents, though they estimate it is around six. The fire department has not yet determined whether the cause was mechanical or accidental. Until the investigation concludes, the six families remain displaced from their homes on Harding Place.