Dried-out Christmas tree to blame for fatal blaze

The Jan. 10 Oxford Mills fire that claimed four lives was caused by a dry Christmas tree that ignited.

The Office of the Fire Marshal that investigated the fire confirmed as much on Wednesday, saying it was one of two fatal Christmas tree fires in the province this holiday season. The other one, in which a 75-year-old woman died, occurred on Dec. 28 in Acton.

A spokesperson for the fire marshal's office said there was a smoke alarm in the three-storey log home in Oxford Mills, but because of the extensive damage to the house, they were unable to determine if it was operational at the time of the blaze.

“We're not sure if it was working, but it's often just a matter of seconds when these trees are dry and there's a spark.”

The early evening fire claimed the lives of the couple who owned the home, as well as two others

who were visiting.

According to the Office of the Fire Marshal, the five fatalities in Ontario were the first deaths caused by Christmas tree fires in the province in more than a decade. From 2010 to 2019, there were 46 reported Christmas-tree fires that caused injuries to six people, but no deaths. Faulty Christmas tree lights are the most common cause of the fires.

The office is urging Ontarians to dispose of dry Christmas trees immediately, check for any recalls on holiday lights, check string lights and smoke alarms for any damage, and also plan emergency exit routes from their homes.