A third-floor fire Monday knocked out power at the Watercrest Condominiums at 6201 Thomas Drive, leaving dozens of vacationers searching for a place to sleep for two to three weeks.

TYRA JACKSON @TyraJackPCNH

PANAMA CITY BEACH — A third-floor fire Monday knocked out power at the Watercrest Condominiums at 6201 Thomas Drive, leaving dozens of vacationers searching for a place to sleep for two to three weeks.

A main bus — a key component that controls water, air conditioning, plumbing and more — caught fire inside a utility closet of the building and will take two to three weeks to fix, said Bay County Fire Battalion Chief Marcus Vigil. He said officials received a call at 5:11 p.m. about an activated alarm. He said when firefighters arrived there was smoke on the main floor.

“The smoke and fire damage was maintained in the utility closet,” Vigil said.

No injuries were reported.

Brian McDaniel of Manchester, Georgia, said he and his family were trying to figure out where to go after the fire, as lots of families packed into their vehicles.

“The fire department and sheriff’s department were very helpful,” he said. “We’re about five hours from home. We just got here yesterday.”

Vigil said authorities are working with the Tourist Development Council and American Red Cross to locate housing for the displaced vacationers.

Those looking to find a place to stay are asked to contact the Red Cross at 850-763-6587 or Bay County Control at 850-784-4000.