Huntsville Fire and Rescue is investigating what caused an overnight fire that left 12 people searching for a home. It started at an apartment complex on Rime Village Drive, with five fire trucks responding to the scene.

The fire destroyed more than just one apartment; it left seven others uninhabitable. A total of eight apartments sustained damage, forcing a total of 12 people to evacuate early Monday morning.

Huntsville Fire and Rescue said that after putting out the fire, other apartments suffered major water damage that destroyed walls, floors and ceilings. Julius Player lives just across the street and can't help but think of the victims.

"...Just a lot of families without homes," Player said.

Player was at work when a friend alerted him of the fire. He raced home to make sure his apartment wasn't in flames.

There were no injuries and the victims have been working with the Red Cross to find a new place to stay.

This scare next door is making Player take extra caution.

"I have a bad little habit of leaving my heater on, so I know not to do it again," Player said.

Fire and Rescue officials tell WAAY 31 the electrical power had to be cut from the eight apartments. They are unsure what will happen to the damaged building going forward.