2 Boys Now in Critical Condition After Tree Fire

Two boys injured in a fire sparked by the family Christmas tree remained hospitalized Thursday with critical injuries, including burns and severe smoke inhalation, hospital officials said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department initially reported that Daniel Garcia, 11, and his 3-year-old brother Arturo suffered serious injuries in the apartment fire that broke out Wednesday in the 8800 block of Langdon Avenue.

But Thursday, officials at Valley Presbyterian Hospital said the brothers were in “in critical but stable condition” and both brothers were breathing with the aid of ventilators.

“Smoke can be worse than burns,” said Kelly Tarelka, a hospital spokeswoman. “And there is extensive damage to their lungs.”

Arturo suffered second- and third-degree burns over 10% of his body, Tarelka said. The injuries to the little boy and his older brother were caused by smoke billowing from burning furniture and the family Christmas tree, fire officials said.

Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells said the blaze caused $15,000 damage to the building and another $5,000 of damage to the contents of the apartment. Investigators believe the fire erupted after a short in an electrical cord or in the lights on the tree.