The fire that sent a State College apartment complex up in flames Wednesday night has been ruled unintentional.

It started as a mulch fire in front of building 13 at The Park apartment complex off of Blue Course Drive. The fire spread to bushes and then up the front of the building and into the roof.

Investigators were on scene and said they couldn’t find the exact cause of the mulch fire, but believe it was likely a discarded cigarette.

48 students were displaced. The Park is putting them up in a hotel across the street for the next couple of nights. One apartment unit at the top where the roof collapsed is a total loss. The other units have significant smoke and water damage and need to be repaired.

Fire officials said the dry conditions helped the fire spread quickly.

“Disposing of things like cigarettes and stuff, that may have been the cause of this fire, we don’t know for sure – whether you’re at your house or apartment or even around town, these mulch beds are going to e a source of fire spread,” Alpha Assistant Chief Shawn Kauffman said.

Most students did not have renters insurance.