A tragic apartment fire in Montgomery claimed the life of a child and left two others critically injured on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
According to Montgomery Fire and Rescue, the fire broke out just after 8:00 am at a two-story building in the 3900 block of Woodley Road, at the Woodley Terrace Apartments in south Montgomery. Multiple fire units responded to the scene, where firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack to suppress the blaze and conducted a primary search of the residence.
Firefighters located three people inside the apartment: an adult male and two children. One of the children, an 8-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other child and the adult male were transported to the local hospital in critical condition. Officials have not released further details about the victims at this time.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet said what sparked the blaze.
Fires like this can leave families facing unimaginable grief, serious injuries, medical bills, and the sudden loss of their home and belongings. If you or someone you love was affected by this Montgomery apartment fire, Singleton Schreiber’s experienced fire and injury attorneys are available to help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
Possible Causes of Apartment Fires and Who May Be Held Responsible
While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, investigations into apartment fires commonly uncover a range of potential contributing factors. Potential causes of an apartment fire like this one may include:
- Electrical issues such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated electrical systems. If this contributed to the apartment fire, potentially liable parties could include property owners, landlords, property management companies, electricians, or builders.
- Defective appliances like space heaters, stoves, or other household equipment. If any of these devices contributed to the apartment fire, potentially liable parties could include appliance manufacturers, distributors, or maintenance providers
- Heating or HVAC system failures. If this contributed to the apartment fire, potentially liable parties could include landlords, maintenance contractors, or installation companies.
- Lack of working smoke detectors or fire safety systems. If any of these contributed to the apartment fire, potentially liable parties could include property owners or managers responsible for building safety and code compliance.
- Building code violations or unsafe construction materials. If this contributed to the apartment fire, potentially liable parties could include property owners, developers, or contractors.
Determining liability in a fire case often requires a thorough investigation, including fire-cause analysis, building inspections, and a review of maintenance and safety records.
Compensation Available for Victims and Families After a Fatal Fire
Families impacted by a devastating apartment fire may have legal options to pursue compensation, depending on the results of the investigation.
For the family of the 8-year-old child who was killed in the fire, this may include a wrongful death claim, which can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to the child’s injuries prior to death
- The emotional pain and suffering endured by surviving family members
For the child and adult who were critically injured, a personal injury claim may help recover damages for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Ongoing and future medical care
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
Families who were displaced or lost their homes and belongings may also seek compensation for:
- Property damage and loss of personal possessions
- Temporary housing and relocation expenses
- Other out-of-pocket costs caused by the fire
“No legal action can undo the loss of a child or erase the trauma of a fire,” says attorney Danielle Ward Mason of Singleton Schreiber. “But pursuing a claim can help families secure the resources they need to heal, rebuild, and hold accountable anyone whose negligence may have contributed to this heartbreaking event.”
If you or your family were affected by the Woodley Terrace Apartments fire in Montgomery, AL, Singleton Schreiber is here to listen, investigate, and advocate for you with care, experience, and determination.
