THOUSAND OAKS : Christmas Tree Fire Injures Teen-Ager

A dry Christmas tree ignited while a Thousand Oaks teen-ager was removing decorations Monday, injuring him and causing $180,000 in damage to the house, fire officials said.

Matt McCool, 17, suffered facial burns and was transported by private vehicle for medical treatment, said Sandi Wells, spokeswoman for the Ventura County Fire Department. Members of the McCool family were not available for comment.

A bystander who was visiting friends in the area said he saw the house burning and ran outside to see if he could help. “The boy ran out and said the Christmas tree suddenly exploded in his face,” said Bill Baird of Boston. “He said that he was taking down the tree trimmings while his family was away shopping.”

The Christmas tree ignited, Wells said, “but it’s hard to say what would be the cause at this point. The lights were plugged in but not on. Maybe there was some electrical break in the wire. There was also a lot of static electricity.”

The two-alarm fire brought 35 firefighters to the 2000 block of El Monte Drive at 12:07 p.m. Despite a heavy wind, they had the fire out by 12:28 p.m., Wells said.

The house and contents, valued at $330,000, was three-quarters damaged. A representative of the Ventura County office of the American Red Cross said the agency would provide shelter, clothes and food for the family if needed.