1 Critically Injured, $400K Damage To Home From Christmas Tree Fire: Officials

BETHESDA, MD — Four people were taken to the hospital, with one in critical condition Friday morning, after a fire in a dry Christmas tree spread to the rest of the living room.

Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, said firefighters helped four adults in the home, and rescued and resuscitated a great Dane trapped in the house.

Old lights from the 1980s on a tree appeared to malfunction, sparking the blaze. Flames quickly spread to a sofa and other nearby combustible items, Piringer said.

Firefighters were called to the 10300 block of Fleming Avenue about 4:45 p.m. The residents tried to put out the fire, but it rapidly spread, Piringer said.

“Residents indicate that they heard a pop. … even before the smoke alarm was activated, they discovered the fire,” Piringer said in a statement on X.

Firefighters plan to revisit the neighborhood to talk about fire safety with residents and check smoke alarms.