IRONTON — The cause of a fire that destroyed three homes located on the 2000 block of South Third Street Friday is still undetermined, according to fire officials.

Shane Cartmill, public information officer for the State Fire Marshal’s Office, said Monday that investigators have determined the point of origin to be the front bedroom of the house located at 2010 South Third Street, but were unable to eliminate all accidental causes including the careless disposal of smoking materials.

Cartmill added that investigators found no evidence of criminal intent during their investigation that concluded on Monday. Smoke detectors did exist in some of the homes, but Cartmill said it was unknown if they were activated.

The quick-spreading fire fueled by strong winds rapidly spread through the three homes and damaged two others in the early morning hours of March 6.

All three homes were occupied at the time of the blaze and police were needed to assist in removing several occupants.

No one was seriously injured though an Ironton firefighter was treated and released while sustaining minor injuries after falling through the floor of one of the units while battling the blaze.

Preliminary estimates put the damage at several hundred thousand dollars.

A car and camper were also destroyed in the fire. The two homes that bookend the three destroyed ones, suffered siding damage due to excessive heat.