ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Fire investigators have concluded a fire that badly damaged the Annapolis Yacht Club was caused by an electrical malfunction with a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree.
The Annapolis Fire Department said in a news release Monday that damage estimates are expected to exceed $9 million.
The three-alarm fire happened on Dec. 12. A firefighter was treated for minor injuries.
Annapolis Fire Chief David Stokes noted that it’s the second time a Christmas tree fire has had a major impact in the Annapolis community. In January, an electrical fire that spread to a 15-foot Christmas tree prompted a blaze that killed a couple and four of their young grandchildren.
Stokes is urging people to be mindful of the potential dangers of holiday decorations and practice good safety habits.
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