Crime & Safety
4 Injured In Bethesda House Fire Caused By Dry Christmas Tree
Authorities said one dog also had to be rescued from the blaze and later resuscitated.
BETHESDA, MD — A Bethesda house fire fueled by a dry Christmas tree sent four people to the hospital this week, according to officials.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer said the blaze was first reported around 4:45 p.m. on Christmas Day at a home in the 10300 block of Fleming Avenue.
When firefighters arrived, the flames had spread throughout the first floor of the home, Piringer said.
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According to Piringer, the cause of the fire was likely electrical from an old string of lights on the family's Christmas tree. When the residents went to get their fire extinguisher, the fire erupted and spread to a nearby couch, Piringer told Montgomery Community Media.
12/26 Update (initial dispatch 4:45p 12/25) Fleming Av, fire started in ‘dry’ Christmas tree, likely electrical failure of light strands (from ‘80s) on tree, spreading quickly to nearby combustible; Damage >$400K; 4 adults injured & taken to hospital; 1 dog rescued & resuscitated https://t.co/JYEZQqobd8 pic.twitter.com/YVAIhynmAV
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 26, 2025
Family members also told firefighters they had not watered the tree in a while, according to the report.
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Four people were injured in the blaze and taken to the hospital. A dog was also rescued from the home and resuscitated.
Approximately 65 firefighters assisted at the scene.
According to Piringer, the house sustained more than $400,000 in damage.
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