Christmas Decorations Caused Raynham Fire

RAYNHAM, MA — The fire department extinguished a house fire started Monday morning from an electrical outlet where Christmas decorations were plugged in. Damage from the fire has temporarily displaced the four people living in the house, Fire Chief James Januse said.

Around 2 p.m., firefighters were called to 248 Warren Street, a single-family home. All four residents were out safely before firefighters arrived. The homeowner then directed firefighters to the living room next to the Christmas tree, where the flames were burning.

The fire was quickly extinguished, Januse said. Flames did not reach farther than the living room, but the house sustained water damage on the first floor and basement and smoke damage throughout. Residents are temporarily staying with relatives.

According to the initial investigation, the fire started because of various Christmas decorations and a sub-woofer being plugged in to the same outlet.

Januse urged residents not overload their electrical outlets when plugging in holiday lights and decorations.

"Decorations and lights that are plugged in should always be turned off or unplugged when you go to bed at night,"Januse said. "You can also buy timers to have the lights and decorations shut off at the time you want them to."

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