Christmas Tree Causes House Fire

An unwatered Christmas tree caught fire in a Yale Avenue home Dec. 19, sending Ossining firefighters to the scene at 3:20 p.m. 

Heavy smoke was coming from the rear of the two-family home when firefighters arrived, said Ossining Fire Chief Jason Lorenz.

The mother and daughter living in the first floor apartment were outside and told responders that the fire was in their apartment. 

Firefighters found the center of the fire in the living room. It did not expand to the second floor apartment. 

After the fire was under control, it was determined that the fire was caused from Christmas tree in the living room. The occupants had stored the tree on a piece of wood and did not water it, Lorenz said. 

However, one of the residents did one smart thing, he said. 

"The daughter in the 1st floor apartment had noticed the fire in the living room and was able to close the door to the living room, exit the house and dial 911," Lorenz said. "She had noted that she remembered to do this from fire prevention week in the schools."

For more Holiday Safety tips visit the OFD website http://www.ossiningfire.org/holiday_safety.php


Please also note that the daughter of the 1st floor apartment had noticed the fire in the living room and was able to close the door to the living room, exit the house and dial 911.  She had noted that she remembered to do this from fire prevention week in the schools.