Cause of ski lodge fire remains a mystery

ZANESFIELD, Ohio (AP) — Investigators say they can’t determine what caused a fire that destroyed the lodge at Mad River Mountain ski resort in western Ohio.

The state fire marshal’s office says investigators couldn’t rule out discarded smoking materials or electrical failure as possible causes.

Fire marshal’s spokesman Bill Krugh says the damage to the building was so extensive that the official cause couldn’t be determined.

The fire was reported at the resort off state Route 33 near Zanesfield on the evening of Sept. 16. When fire crews arrived, the 52-year-old structure was fully engulfed in flames.

General manager Tom Price says temporary structures will be used at Mad River this winter and the resort will open on time.