Crews in Virginia Beach put out a fire at 500 Green Meadows Drive just off S. Independence Blvd. on Monday evening.
They say heavy fire was showing on the second story and exterior of the building.
The fire has been determined an accident that was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.
Crews say the fire destroyed two of the units and six others had severe water damage.
Eight families have been displaced.
No one was hurt.
The Red Cross is assisting.