Christmas tree fire damages Buford home

BUFORD - A fire that originated in a Chrstmas tree damaged a house in Buford Saturday night.

Capt. Tommy Rutledge of the Gwinnett County Fire Department said the call came in around 8:45 to a house on Doc Hughes Road. He said the caller stated that a Christmas tree was on fire.

Rutledge said the first crews on the scene found heavy smoke coming from the single-story house. He said the fire was contained to the living room but that the rest of the dwelling suffered smoke and heat damage. The blaze caused heavy damage to the living room.

The man and woman who live there tried to put the fire out but were unsuccessful and escaped through a bedroom window.

Capt. Rutledge said the fire has been ruled accidental and it started at a live Christmas tree. The lights on the tree were on, according to Rutledge, who added "the tree burned fast and hot and ignited other contents in the room."