Foul play ruled out as cause in early morning Moorhead house fire

UPDATED 12:52 p.m.

MOORHEAD - Investigators have ruled out foul play but are still searching for the cause of a house fire early today that left a Moorhead couple hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Moorhead Fire Marshal Rich Duysen said investigators ruled out arson and are now looking at potential accidental causes of the fire, which broke out shortly before 1 a.m. in the basement family room at the Lyle and Norma Erickson home at 1207 20th St. N.

Fire crews say Norma Erickson made it out of the house, but her husband collapsed near the door. Police officers got him out of the house.

Both victims were taken to MeritCare Hospital.

Investigators hope to talk to Norma Erickson as soon as she's able, Duysen said.

A gas fireplace in the family room where the fire started has been ruled out as the cause, Duysen said, adding insurance company investigators may be brought in to help determine the cause.

Damage to the home will likely exceed $100,000, but structurally it may be salvageable, Duysen said.