The fire on Merlin Way was reported just before 1:00 a.m. in England Run. When firefighters arrived they found two of the two-story structures totally involved.
By the time the flames were doused four units had been completely destroyed and five others sustained smoke and water damage.
Kimberly Harper of the Stafford Fire Department says the fire started outside of one of the garden style units before it spread. Results of the initial investigation indicate that the fire was the cause of some sort of smoking material that was not extinguished. Harper says the overall damage is estimated at more than $1 million
The Red Cross is assisting the families with food, clothing and lodging.