SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - Four people, including a child, were hospitalized with injuries from smoke inhalation from a fire caused by the child lighting a candle too close to a Christmas tree in an apartment building in City Heights, authorities said.
The blaze was reported at 7:40 p.m. Monday at the Regency Center Apartments near the corner of Euclid and Home Avenues, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Battalion Chief Rick Ballard.
Fire crews told News 8 the Christmas tree caught fire and generated an enormous amount of blinding black smoke that filled the apartment from ceiling to floor.
Four people were trapped inside - including the five-year-old child. Neighbors tried to help rescue the four trapped residents, but it was the San Diego Fire Department that eventually made the rescue.
The fire spread to other units in the building but was eventually contained by firefighters.
A neighbor who lives across the way called 911. "It was terrifying because I have never dealt with a fire like that, and then to know there was a baby in there. When they brought her out she was just limp. She was not moving. She wasn't anything. So hopefully she is okay. I pray that she is," said Rudie Banks.
The patients were taken to UC San Diego Medical Center, to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Battalion Chief Steve Salaz said, "You have to have a lot due diligence when you do put up a Christmas tree in your house. When you put lights on it you have to make sure the lights are in working order."
The Red Cross is assisting the family with housing if they need it.