Four adults and a family dog were hospitalized following a serious house fire Wednesday evening in Bethesda that investigators now say started in a dry Christmas tree.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, crews were initially dispatched around 4:45pm on December 25 to a single-family home in the 10300 block of Fleming Avenue, off Grosvenor Lane, for a fire that quickly spread throughout the first floor. Approximately 65 firefighters responded to the scene.
Fire and rescue officials transported four adult patients to area hospitals for treatment. At least one dog was rescued from the home and resuscitated by firefighters. By early evening, the fire was brought under control, but officials reported significant damage exceeding $400,000. All injured occupants were taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
In a Friday morning update, Piringer said investigators determined the fire started in a “dry” Christmas tree, likely caused by an electrical failure involving older light strands from the 1980s. The fire spread rapidly to nearby combustibles shortly after ignition.
Earlier reports indicated residents discovered the fire after hearing a “pop.” One occupant attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher, but in the short time it took to do so, the fire intensified and spread quickly. Despite the rapid spread, everyone inside the home was able to escape and call 911.
MCFRS continues to remind residents to take extra precautions during the holiday season, including using updated and undamaged electrical decorations, keeping live trees well-watered, and ensuring smoke alarms are functioning properly throughout the home.
