State Fire Marshal rules cause of Moran house fire undetermined

The State Fire Marshal has determined the cause of the August 4 house fire in Moran to be undetermined.

City of Moran Fire Chief Tyler George said investigators found there was not enough evidence left after the blaze to reach a more conclusive finding, and the case is now closed. The fire began shortly after midnight and destroyed the home of the Dean Schoolcraft family. On Facebook, the family said they believe the fire may have been caused by faulty wiring.

Firefighters from the City of Moran Volunteer Fire Department, Moran Rural Fire Department, the City of Albany Volunteer Fire Department, and the Shackelford County Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. Crews worked for roughly four hours to contain the flames, using more than 50,000 gallons of water. Chief George noted that the amount was enough to empty the Moran water tower during the firefighting effort.

No injuries were reported. The home was declared a total loss. A benefit account remains open at First Financial Bank in Moran for those wishing to assist the family.