Man Killed In Suspected Christmas Tree Fire

OAKLAND, CA — A man died in an apartment fire that was reported Wednesday evening in North Oakland and probably started at or near a Christmas tree, fire officials said.

The one-alarm fire was reported at about 6:30 p.m. in the 6500 block of Shattuck Avenue.

Battalion Chief Zoraida Diaz said a resident from the building next door called to report the fire.

When firefighters gained access to the apartment they found the victim, a 38-year-old man, at or near the front door. Diaz said a significant amount of smoke was in the one-bedroom apartment.

The victim was living with his girlfriend and her 18-year-old daughter. Both will be receiving help from the American Red Cross. Neither was home when the fire started.

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— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock