Women Died in North Highlands House Fire Sparked by Christmas Tree
A 22-year-old woman was killed early Christmas morning in a tragic house fire, which officials said was ignited by an artificial Christmas tree. The accident happened at a North Highlands home at about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 25, 2022. The woman who lost her life was identified as Destiny Abdrazack.
Details of the Deadly House Fire in North Highlands
Officials said an electrical short from the artificial Christmas tree caused the blaze. The family had stayed up on Christmas Eve to celebrate but fell asleep without turning off the Christmas tree lights. Five other people in the house who escaped unharmed credited Abdrazack for alerting them of the fire. They said they woke up to Abdrazack yelling, “fire!”
One of the survivors said when the lights sparked the fire, the fast-moving flames spread so quickly that they only had seconds to get out. Fire crews found Abdrazack and pulled her out of the burning house. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.
The entire house was destroyed, and the family lost everything in the fire, including two beloved family dogs. Loved ones have created a gofundme account to raise funds for Abdrazack’s funeral and burial expenses.
The Sacramento Metro Fire Department advises people to check the batteries in their smoke alarms often and ensure they are working. Sac Metro Fire officials will hold an awareness campaign in January 2023 to educate families about smoke alarm installation.
The YouTube video from KCRA 3 News reports the deadly house fire that killed Destiny Abdrazack and two family dogs.
House Fire Statistics in the U.S.
Accidental house fires are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Recent data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows nearly 500,000 house fires occurred in the country in 2020, killing over 2700 people and injuring 13,000 others. Not only did the house fires result in severe injuries and deaths, but they also caused over $12 billion in property damage. Understanding the common causes of house fires can help save lives and prevent property destruction.
Common Causes of a House Fire
House fires are primarily due to unintentional negligence, product defects, or reckless behavior. The first step in preventing one is knowing how it happens in the first place. The NFPA has determined the leading causes of house fires.
- Children: Small children playing with matches inside the home
- Candles: A burning candle that is left unattended
- Smoking: Discarding hot cigarette buds or ashes in a trash
- Electrical malfunctions: Household device that uses electrical power
- Appliances: Household appliances that generate heat
- Cooking: Stove tops or bbq grills left unattended
- Holiday decorations: Christmas tree lights or dry live trees
- Chemicals: Improper mixture of household chemicals
However, some fires are unavoidable, as they can be caused by a lightning strike. Homes in thickly wooded areas are more vulnerable to getting struck by lightning.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If a loved one was killed or your home was destroyed in a fire, you may feel completely overwhelmed with grief. You may also face significant losses, such as loss of companionship, income, and household services.
After such a catastrophic experience, it’s essential to have financial security and peace of mind. A skilled and compassionate burn injury lawyer will help you understand what compensation you and your family can receive from a wrongful death claim.
Your chances of claiming fair compensation depend on the types of evidence that exist. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options is crucial. Your attorney will examine the fire report to determine whether another person or entity’s negligence contributed to the accident.