One person remains in critical condition following a Christmas house fire in Bethesda. It is believed to have been caused by a dry Christmas tree and an old string of lights, according to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.
All four residents at the house on Fleming Avenue off Grosvenor Lane were taken to the hospital. A Great Dane found unconscious inside the home was resuscitated by emergency responders and taken to a veterinarian, Piringer said.
The fire was ruled accidental, with damages in excess of $400,000.
The fire began in the living room, where a string of lights purchased in the 1980s created an electrical fire, he said. As the residents went for their fire extinguisher, the fire erupted and spread to a nearby couch.
Family members told firefighters they had not watered the tree in a while, Piringer said.
About 65 firefighters assisted at the scene.
12/26 Update – Fleming Av, Christmas Day house fire, 1 family displaced, 4 persons hospitalized, 1 dog rescued pic.twitter.com/CnZXPWWLhA
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 26, 2025
12/26 Update (initial dispatch 4:45p 12/25) Fleming Av, fire started in ‘dry’ Christmas tree, likely electrical failure of light strands (from ‘80s) on tree, spreading quickly to nearby combustible; Damage >$400K; 4 adults injured & taken to hospital; 1 dog rescued & resuscitated https://t.co/JYEZQqobd8 pic.twitter.com/YVAIhynmAV
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 26, 2025
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