An electrical problem with an air conditioning unit led to a fire that damaged eight townhouses in Tampa Monday. 

  • Fire investigators: Fire caused by electrical problem on AC unit
  • Townhouse complex fire Monday afternoon in Tampa
  • Fire damaged 8 homes at Brookshire Townhomes on Sligh Ave
  • Tampa Fire Rescue investigating fire

According to Tampa Fire Rescue investigators, that finding came after officials began an investigation after flames tore through the Brookshire Townhomes in the 1900 block of Sligh Avenue. 

Investigators said the fire originated on the back patio of unit B103 due to an electrical malfunction in the power supply to the condenser unit of the air conditioning system.

The fire quickly spread along the exterior portion of several adjacent units causing major smoke and fire damage. Damage to the structure is estimated at more than $400,000.

Multiple families have been left homeless after the fire.

Resident Ronald Brown said as soon as he realized the building was on fire, he got out and started warning his neighbors. 

"My dog was in there too," Brown said. "So, I had to grab him and go out the house. Then after I'm out the house, I went to knocking on all the neighbors houses telling them to get out."

There were no injuries but a cat did need medical assistance, officials said. Firefighters were able to aid the cat. 

Meanwhile, the Red Cross is helping the families who lost their homes in the fire.