Christmas Tree Catches Fire, Destroys Hudson Valley Home

The happiest time of the year has turned into a nightmare for a Hudson Valley family after their Christmas tree caught fire, destroying their home.

Amateur video shows the extensive damage that was caused by a Christmas tree that caught fire early Sunday morning. The two-alarm fire started just after midnight and destroyed the home, with the occupants barely escaping with their lives.

According to The Times Herald Record, six fire departments responded to the early morning blaze on Valdine Drive in New Paltz.The homeowners, who's names have not been released, awoke to the sounds of their smoke alarm.

The fire was apparently blocking the exit of the home, so one of the homeowners had to bust through a window. Besides some cuts from the broken glass, both occupants safely escaped, but the home was destroyed.

It took a few hours for multiple fire departments to get the fire under control. The fact that the home was not near any fire hydrants meant that water had to be brought on site to battle the blaze. Although the home was lost, both cars were saved from the garage.

The homeowners blame their Christmas tree for the tragedy. Fire officials warn against keeping trees lit overnight or while no one is home. FEMA reports that one out of every three Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.