Christmas Tree Suspected of Causing Mahwah House Fire on Christmas Day

A real Christmas tree is suspected of causing a Mahwah house fire on Christmas Day, which killed the family dog and cat.

The homeowner and her family were not home at the time.

Mahwah police received a call at 1:15 p.m. from a resident reporting her neighbor’s house was on fire. Upon arrival, police saw flames coming “from the back of the house and a vehicle in the garage,” Mahwah Police Chief James N. Batelli said.

“Unsure if anyone was home, the officers attempted entry to the home but were forced back by the smoke and flames,” Chief Batelli said. Mahwah Fire Companies 1, 2, and 4 arrived and quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas of the house.

The fire damage was limited to the great room and kitchen, Chief Batelli said, although there was extensive smoke and water damage and the house was deemed to be uninhabitable.

“Based upon the physical evidence and interview with the homeowner, it was determined that the fire originated in the Christmas tree although the specific cause is still under investigation,” Chief Batelli told Patch.

“This is a tragedy at any time, but occurring on Christmas Day makes it even sadder and more emotional for the family,” Chief Batelli said.

The homeowner was temporarily relocated to a friend’s house.