Christmas tree ignites apartment

NEWS 9

An apartment unit near SW 74 and Blackwelder was set ablaze early this morning by a Christmas tree erupting in flames.

Oklahoma City firefighters said as they neared the scene, they saw flames shooting from the building.

Residents were evacuated and everyone made it out safely.

Two surrounding apartment units suffered smoke damage.

Firefighters say the tree caught fire from being too close to a wall heater.

Firefighters said Christmas trees can become real fire hazards if they're not watered.

"This one was apparently extremely dry," Battalion Chief Bill Woodard said. "It went up in a matter of seconds and produces a very hot fire and fast fire."