Tree Crashes Into Atherton Home Christmas Morning

MENLO PARK, CA -- Firefighters from the protection district responded to a report of a tree that crashed into a home on Snowden Avenue in Atherton early Christmas morning.

Three people were inside the home when the 1:47 a.m. incident occurred, but no one was hurt. A tree branch penetrated the roof and ceiling of an occupied child’s bedroom the Engine 5 crew reported after arriving at the scene seven minutes from the call and reported. The occupants were standing outside.

Firefighters used plastic tarps to cover the damaged roof section which was also impacted by rainfall and wind. A total of 14 personnel deployed on three engines with a ladder truck and Battalion Chief Chris Pimentel.

Pimentel assisted the family with securing new accommodations at the Stanford Park Hotel because the home was not safe for re-occupancy until the tree could be removed.

"While sadly the structure was damaged and the occupants displaced, if children had been playing on the backyard trampoline, it could have been catastrophic, because of where the tree fell," Chief Harold Schapelhouman said.

--Images courtesy of Menlo Park Fire Protection District