Woman Hurt, Pet Python Killed in Apartment Fire

Fire that possibly started in a Christmas tree swept through a Long Beach apartment, critically injuring a sleeping resident and killing one of her two pet pythons, authorities said Wednesday.

Lorraine Lee, 24, was in critical but stable condition at Long Beach Memorial Hospital with second- and third-degree burns over 30% of her arms and torso, Fire Department spokesman Bob Caldon said.

Lee, who was asleep when the fire broke out about 11:25 p.m. Tuesday, also suffered a deep cut on her left arm when she jumped out a window to escape the flames, Caldon said.

Caldon said the fire probably started accidentally, possibly in the Christmas tree. Firefighters rescued one of the two pet pythons, taking it to a local animal shelter for treatment of injuries. A second snake died.