COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 15 (UPI) — A 90-foot Christmas tree burned up in a fire Monday morning between an upscale hotel and shopping mall, local fire officials said.
Plumes of black smoke were visible for miles even as firefighters quickly put out the flames, but could not save the giant tree in the front of the Westin Hotel in Costa Mesa, Calif. Fire investigators have not ruled out arson.
The fire reduced the tree to a mostly black cinder with a few melted decorations remaining. The giant tree is part of an annual tree lighting ceremony in the community.
“Everybody was running and moving their cars on the side,” witness Juan Giron said. “I was way back there trying not to get close to where the fire was.”
South Coast Plaza mall officials said it takes about a full month to decorate the tree with ornaments and 20,000 lights. Firefighters said it only took a few minutes to burn down.
“It’s definitely a big part of the holiday season,” said local Kaila McGreal. “I saw a lot of kids come together to put on a show a day of the Christmas lighting.”
Mall officials are working to get a new tree by the end of the week.
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