Dec. 17--Investigators say Christmas tree lights left on overnight caused a Commerce Township fire that trapped a family and their dogs in their upstairs bedroom early Sunday.
The fire broke out at 1:54 a.m. in the 3000 block of Sandbar, according to a release issued by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Two residents and their three dogs had to be rescued with a ladder from their bedroom window. The fire was contained to the first floor, and no one was injured, according to the sheriff's office.
The fire comes just days after the Detroit Fire Department and Detroit Public Safety Foundation held a Christmas tree safety demonstration. A firefighter lit a dried-out tree, which burst into flames within seconds before firefighters doused it with water.
Fire officials said making a fresh cut to the trunk before putting the tree in the house, watering daily, limiting lights to a maximum of three strings, and keeping the tree away from heaters, fireplaces and other heat sources help prevent Christmas tree fires.
Copyright 2012 - Detroit Free Press
