2 dogs, 1 cat die in house fire blamed on Christmas tree
Costa Mesa Fire Department officials believe a Christmas tree is to blame for a house fire that resulted in the deaths of three family pets on New Year’s Eve.
Firefighters responded at 12:18 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a residential fire in the 300 block of Hanover Drive. Crews saw heavy black smoke coming from the front of the one-story home, officials said.
Firefighting efforts were hampered by downed power lines and a metal roof that slowed ventilation, officials said. Crews from Fountain Valley, Newport Beach and Orange assisted.
The blaze was extinguished within 30 minutes.
A mother and a 7-month-old baby were treated for smoke inhalation. The father and a 5-year-old child were uninjured. Two dogs and a cat died in the blaze.
Officials said they have not determined the exact source of the fire, but believe it started with and was aggravated by the family’s Christmas tree.
Lights on or near Christmas trees that are beginning to dry out should not be lighted, said fire Capt. Shawn Brosamer. The tree also should be kept away from any type of heat source, including fireplaces and vents, Brosamer said.
“It’s definitely a concern for us this time of year,” he said.
—Hannah Fry