A Christmas tree fire in Bethesda, Maryland, injured four people and a dog on Christmas Day, officials said. One person had life-threatening injuries, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue said, and the family is displaced.
A strand of old lights from the ‘80s and a faulty power strip likely ignited a “dry” Christmas tree in the home on Fleming Avenue on Thursday evening, fire officials said.
Residents heard a pop and acted before the smoke alarms went off, Montgomery County fire department spokesman Pete Piringer said.
One of the home’s occupants went to get a fire extinguisher, but the flames spread rapidly to a couch and other combustible items, Piringer said.
Everyone was able to get out of the house, but all suffered injuries, officials said.
Four people were taken to hospitals, and one person was in critical condition, Piringer said early Friday. A large dog was found unconscious amid the blaze, then resuscitated by firefighters, officials said.
About 65 firefighters descended on the home and were able to get the fire under control.
Photos show the charred remnants of a Christmas tree and exposed beams on the ceiling of the destroyed home. The family was displaced, and damages are expected to exceed $400,000, Piringer said.
Firefighters say Christmas trees should be watered every day and thrown away when they become dry.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/519WGuR
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