Child, Christmas Tree May Be Behind Philly Fire That Killed 12

PHILADELPHIA — As authorities investigate what caused the fire that killed 12 people Wednesday morning in Philadelphia, multiple outlets are reporting the cause could be tied to a Christmas tree and a lighter.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports a search warrant filed to get access to the property at 869 N. 23rd St. in Fairmount included language about a young child — 5 or younger — playing with a lighter and lit a Christmas tree on fire.

According to NBC 10, a child who ran from the property told authorities a Christmas tree caught fire.

The fire broke out at about 6:36 a.m. Wednesday on the 800 block of North 23rd Street at a Philadelphia Housing Authority property that was a row home converted into two apartment units, one occupying the first floor and the other the second and third floors.

>>>In Photos: Devastating Philadelphia Row House Blaze Killed 12<<<

Twelve people — eight children and four adults — died in the fire. Eight others escaped, and two of those people were taken to hospitals.

It took firefighters nearly an hour to get the blaze under control.

>>>RELATED: Community Rallying For Family Of Deadly Philly Fire Victims<<<

The property had at least four battery-operated smoke detectors, but First Deputy Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy said none of them were working.

According to the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the property was last inspected in May 2021 and officials said at the time the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were working at the time.

The investigation is being led by the Philadelphia Fire Marshal's Office with the Philadelphia Fire Department and the ATF's National Response Team assisting.