Artificial Christmas tree caused Annapolis Yacht Club fire, officials say
|
Version 0 of 1. The fire that badly damaged a beloved boating club in Annapolis was sparked by an artificial Christmas tree, investigators determined. Capt. John Bowes of the Annapolis Fire Department said Monday that an electrical malfunction in the tree, which came pre-lighted with decorative lightbulbs, led to the blaze at the Annapolis Yacht Club on Dec. 12. The fire caused roughly $9 million worth of damage, officials said. The waterfront club is a landmark institution in the state capital, host to 1,600 members and 150 employees and to civic events enjoyed by many more. Gov. Larry Hogan and Anne Arundel County Executive Steven R. Schuh visited the site the day after the fire. About 20,000 people attend the annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade at Christmastime, a 33-year-old annual tradition for which some people book hotel rooms years in advance. This year, the parade was canceled because of the fire. |