Overly dry Christmas tree ignites in Riverbank home, family displaced
A Riverbank family was displaced Thursday morning after their overly dried Christmas tree caught fire, authorities said.
“The tree was never put in water; it was very, very dry and the lights were incandescent and they were on, and very likely that combination is what started the fire,” said Modesto Fire Department Battalion Chief Darin Jesberg.
The fire broke out at the home on Rose Brook Court, just west of Roselle Avenue, at about 11:30 a.m.
Jesberg said two preteen children were home when the fire broke out and their father was in the shower.
The kids ran and got their dad, who used a fire extinguisher to get the fire mostly under control before the fire department arrived.
The fire caused an estimated $20,000 in damage and the family is displaced until the damage can be repaired Jesberg said.
He warned that Christmas trees should be well watered and lights should be maintained and hung properly.
“Any lights you use should be in good order with no exposed wiring,” Jesberg said. “If they are kinked or wrapped too tightly the wires can heat up.”
This story was originally published December 26, 2019 at 2:18 PM.
