An electrical failure at the base of a Christmas tree caused a house fire on Christmas Eve that destroyed a Bel Air home, according to deputy state fire marshals.

The fire was reported shortly after 6:30 p.m. in the 500 block of Flintlock Drive. The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, along with several neighboring departments, responded and found flames spreading throughout the house, officials said.

No people were injured in the fire, but the family’s pets were affected. One dog was rescued, one died, and two others remained missing, authorities said.

Witnesses told investigators they were driving through the neighborhood when they saw flames inside the home’s living room. They alerted the homeowners and tried to rescue the dogs after hearing them inside. One neighbor forced open the front door, while another broke a rear window in an attempt to reach the animals, fire officials said.

Deputy state fire marshals, assisted by K-9 Blondie, arrived within minutes to investigate the cause of the fire. The homeowners were not inside the residence at the time.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental and originated from an electrical failure at the base of a Christmas tree in the living room. The home and its contents were deemed a total loss.

The family of six displaced by the fire is receiving assistance from Harford County Disaster Assistance and the American Red Cross.

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