Officials have released the cause of an apartment building fire in south Alabama that left several families without homes.

According to Jeff Haller, Public Information Officer for the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, the fire was determined to be ignited by accident and caused by an individual or individuals cooking on their balcony.

The fire took place just before 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Montlimar Apartments on Azalea Road in Mobile. By 8 p.m. that evening, the fire was brought under control and firefighters began putting out hotspots.

Fifteen out of the 16 units in the building had tenants and all the units suffered smoke damage. Several apartments received extensive fire and water damage.

The Red Cross is still assisting individuals and families displaced by the fire.