It was not electrical, stove fire or even sparks from the fire place. No, it was a small ember from a a small match that broke in half after it didn't light from Mike was trying to light at least five feet away from a live Christmas tree. The ember managed to hit the tree (remember this ember was not ever a flame) and within seconds, the tree was on fire. My daughter immediately yelled 'the tree is on fire' and I walked about 7 feet to grab the fire extinguisher. When I turned around, the tree was completely ablaze and the flames were curling and licking the kitchen ceiling (Mike had managed to move the tree a couple of feet trying to get it out the back kitchen door.).
I heard the fire roar, yes it really roared(!), and I just grabbed a kid and ran (side note: if you ever wonder what you want to grab in a fire, I can tell you right now the only things you will grab are people, nothing else will even be on your mind---not your cell phone, not your pictures, not even your wedding rings--just your family!). We all got out without a scratch but the home is unlivable right now.
Later the firefighters told us that it is common for a live Christmas to burst into flames from the smallest thing--a spark from a fireplace, anything. Even if you constantly water and feed the tree, like we did. Mike found this video on You Tube. This is really how it is. And again, I want to stress we watered our tree, gave it Super Thrive and made sure it was not 'dry'.
So I want you to promise me you won't put a live Christmas tree inside your house. If you buy one keep it outside, away from the house. Now is a great time to buy a fake tree by the way (dirt cheap).
Take care and God bless all of you!
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22 comments:
How freaking scary! As a fellow mum of 4 all I can say is: thank whoever you believe in that you are all safe!
I hope you are able to return to your home soon!
Again, Lisa, I am so sorry about the fire at your home. I have whispered many prayers for you. The video is just horrifying! We never have a real tree, and after that video I'm sure we never will in the future either. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
I'm so sorry about your home, Lia. I hope the damage isn't terribly bad and that nothing important to you was lost.
You and your family are in our prayers!!!
Oh my goodness...I am SO SORRY! I really was in shock reading this becase I feel like you and I were just tweeting about Christmas trees and real vs. fake. I am glad to know you and your family are safe. xoxo
I am so sorry that this happened to you. We have an artificial tree and just this year I said to my husband that I would like to get a real tree next year. Well, scratch that idea now! ANd to think that you even had a fire extinguisher and it didn't help...
So glad all of your little ones are safe. I am a mommy of 4 also. Your story really touches me!
I'm so glad that everyone is safe. My goodness, that is truly scary. I've never had a real tree before and now... definitely not.
Thinking of you!
This post brought tears to my eyes. How scary for you all. Again I am so happy you all were okay. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You also have convinced me to never buy a real tree.
Oh my gosh, Lisa, I don't know what to say. Do you need anything? Is there anything we can do for you? I'm so sorry. I'm sure this will be one Christmas that you won't be too anxious to remember in the future!
Lisa, wow. I am praying for you and the speedy recovery of your home. And praising God that you are all safe and alive and well. Thanks for the information on the Christmas Trees.
Oh Lisa.
Thank heavens that all of you were not hurt...physically. Hugs and prayers to you.
Heather (mom to Maya from SF group.)
Lisa! I am SO, SO sorry that this happened! I'll pray that your home is restored quickly and I'm so grateful you are all okay!!!
Your family is in our prayers. I think everyone imagines what they would do if there was fire, now you know you just grab the kids and get out!
oh my gosh!! i am thinking of you guys!! i love our live tree, but will definitely consider just using our fake one, we have two!! i hope everyone is OK!!
UGH. So awful. All of it. Please let me know how I can help.
Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry! What a blessing that you all made it out safely. I hope you are managing okay. Is there anything we can do?!
Lisa,
You guys have been in our prayers!! Please let us know what we can do for you & your family!
You wont believe this but we were driving to Kip's parents house (up toward Marcus HS) on Christmas morning and must have seen your fire in the distance. Kip and I talked about it on the way to their house. And we saw a couple of emergency vehicles on the way. Its shocking to think back and realize that it was someone we knew.
It really is unreal. Extremely glad to know that your family is safe...
We've had a fake tree for years. My kiddos saw one (out with the trash) on a neighbors lawn yesterday. They wondered why the "Christmas tree" was outside. They thought it was pretty silly that someone would not just box it back up, and store it in their garage. I explained that most people use real trees, and that I was getting pretty tired of our fake tree. Next year, I said, we'll get a real one so that they can see what I mean. Well.... thank you for sharing your experience, and the video... no way can I get a real one now. Your family is in my prayers Lisa.
Lisa!!! This is the first I have seen this; I'm so, so sorry for you. If there is anything I can do, I can send you, please let me know.
Even from afar, I can help you out and I'd love to.
Prayers~
Lisa - Oh my, this is the first I've heard about the fire. I clicked on your blog and read the "update" and had to go back one post. I am so sorry about your house and the fire. Praise God you are all safe. *Hugs to you*
Oh my goodness Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so sorry.. how very very scary.. I'm so happy everyone is ok and everyone got out.. I'm so sorry about your house and christmas. (((HUGS)))
Just now reading this and all I can say is I am so sorry this happened to your family, but I am happy everyone is safe. What a scary thing to go through! Makes me want to purchase a fake for next year (the real one was too much to upkeep anyway). Yikes!
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