36 Units Displaced After Massive Fire at Evergreen Luxury Apartments in Merrillville
MERRILLVILLE — A massive fire tore through part of the Evergreen Luxury Apartments late Saturday morning, leaving dozens of residents displaced but fortunately causing no injuries, according to Merrillville Fire Chief Ed Yerga.
Fire crews were dispatched around 10:52 a.m. on November 1, 2025, to 1870 W. 86th Avenue after reports of heavy smoke coming from the apartment complex. While responding, firefighters could already see thick black smoke rising into the air.
Upon arrival, Merrillville’s first truck company found heavy fire conditions in the roof of a three-story building within the complex. Crews immediately began searching to ensure everyone was out safely.
Chief Yerga said that due to strong winds and intense flames, firefighters were forced to switch from an interior attack to defensive operations, battling the fire from the outside to prevent it from spreading further.
The majority of the fire was brought under control within about an hour, officials said. Despite the scale of the blaze, no injuries were reported.
In total, 36 apartment units have been deemed uninhabitable — 24 due to direct fire, smoke, or water damage, and 12 others because of utility issues caused by the incident.
The Merrillville Fire Department is now working with building management, the American Red Cross, and the Ross Township Trustee’s Office to provide temporary housing and assistance for displaced residents.
An official cause of the fire is still under investigation by the MABAS 207 Fire Investigation Team, which was called to the scene.
Multiple area departments assisted in the response, including Crown Point, Gary, Griffith, Hobart, Lake Ridge, Lake Hills, and the Chesterton Fire Chief.
