Christmas tree erupts, causes extensive damage to Arlington Heights house

Arlington Heights authorities are warning residents to take precautions with live Christmas trees after one caught fire and caused extensive damage to a home Friday night.

Two adults were taken to hospital after the blaze erupted at about 10 p.m. at a two-story frame house in the 400 block of West Wing Street.

Arlington Heights fire and police department investigators “determined that the fire originated from a Christmas tree on the first floor,” Fire Chief Chief Lance Harris said Saturday.

The tree was natural not artificial, which “is a reminder of how dangerous real Christmas trees can become once they dry out,” Harris noted. “They can become fully involved in fire in seconds, not minutes.”

A family with two parents, two adult children and a pet had left the house when firefighters arrived. Heavy smoke was pouring from the first and second floors, and the windows in the family room had blown out with flames showing, officials said.

The fire was under control within 10 minutes but crews remained for some time overhauling and ensuring it was extinguished.

Paramedics assessed all the family members at the scene and two were taken to Northwest Community Hospital to be evaluated for potential smoke inhalation. No conditions were available Saturday.

Damage estimates were not ready but the house was “uninhabitable,” Harris said.

The investigation is ongoing and no cause has been determined. However, according to the residents, the electrical tree lights appeared to be the most likely source of ignition, Harris said.

“If residents chose a real Christmas tree it must be kept well-watered at all times and placed away from heat sources such as fire places, space heaters, candles and heating vents,” Harris cautioned.

“When a real tree begins to shed needles that’s when it must be removed from the house immediately.”

Arlington Heights Health and Human Services placed the family in a hotel for the evening Friday.

No firefighters were injured. Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Mount Prospect departments assisted, and Prospect Heights, Wheeling, Des Plaines and Lake Zurich crews helped with station coverage.