Pennsylvania dad Erik King and two sons die in deadly fire caused by Christmas tree
Pennsylvania dad Eric King and his two sons were killed in their own house after their Christmas tree lighting sparked a fire that took down the house. His wife Kristin and 13-year-old son Bryan were able to leave the house just in time. They were then rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The National Fire Protection Association's website revealed that between 2015 to 2019, the US fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of two deaths, 12 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in almost half of the home Christmas tree fires. Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by decorative lights, just like in the case of the King's home being damaged. NFPA further states, "In nearly one-fifth of the Christmas tree fires, some type of heat sources, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree. One in five Christmas tree fires were intentional. These fires were more common in January. Roughly three-quarters of Christmas tree fires occurred in December or January. Almost two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room."
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Fire units were called to the King residence at Essex Court before 1:30 am on December 25. Eric King and his 11-year-old son Liam along with his 8-year-old brother Patrick died in the fire. One-half of their twin home was lost to the fire completely. Reports state the fire was so intense that rescuers couldn't enter the home to douse it. "It was such a hot fire that most of the content where it started is burnt," said Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree. "We will be continuing to investigate to find out why it ignited, but the evidence is very clear that it started in the Christmas tree. It was a real tree," he added. The King's home and the one next to it are twin-style and attached side-by-side. The other house sustained massive damage as well. "When tree go dry, its a violent and robust source. There is an immense amount of heat and that probably contributed," he said before adding that the wooden stick-frame construction also added to the fire spreading quickly.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family and 3.9 donors have contributed to it surpassing the $20,000 goal. The total amount collected stands at $310,723. "Eric and Kristin were high school sweethearts and the happiest people you will have ever met. They were always smiling and full of positive spirits, you just couldn’t help but to love them. The three boys, Eric and Kristin were all a huge part of the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association and spent their days and nights at the baseball fields," a part of the campaign reads.
