WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A child is dead after a Christmas tree caught on fire inside a Winston-Salem home Tuesday night, Winston-Salem fire crews confirmed.
A second person was injured in a house fire also, officials say.
Firefighters were called to Fanning Pointe Lane about a fire caused by a Christmas tree around 6:30 p.m.
Police said a flame from a lighter ignited the Christmas tree. Investigators said three people were inside the home when it caught fire. One person died and another was treated for minor injuries.
Neighbors who witnessed the disaster saw the home engulfed in flames.
Outside Autumn Oaks campground just a couple of blocks in, is where a community is trying to wrap their heads around what happened.
"I heard fire trucks coming, and I wanted to go check outside to see what happened. The first thing I saw was the house on fire; it was really bad," Neighbor Jazmin Verde said.
Neighbors said a grandmother and her grandchild made it out, while another child died — leaving neighbors speechless at the aftermath.
"It makes me very very sad. I instantly started praying when I came out here. I was just praying for comfort. [I was] just thinking when the mom pulled up to see her house on fire, knowing that her child was in there. It's just a sad, sad situation," Neighbor Latonya Park said.
Investigators said they are giving the family more time to notify other relatives before releasing further information about the fire and the victim.
Verde said the family who lived here, has the kindest souls. She said her mother spoke to the family often.
"She does talk to them a lot. She said they are a nice family and they have nice kids," Verde shared.
It's devastating whenever something like this happens. That's why it's important to use this opportunity to make sure you are taking proper fire safety precautions.
Winston-Salem Fire said whenever you have a real tree, make sure you keep all flames away from it.
If you have a space heater, give it space to prevent fires from starting.
Un bombero comparte un mensaje sobre la seguridad contra incendios en las casas para la comunidad hispana a continuación:
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