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Chances are that was NOT started by XMAS lights....

I'd bet my mortage it had something do with METH!

marcspice: from what I overheard from both residents, neighbors and fire officials discussing the fire at the scene, the cause was undetermined as of yet. Two people, including Sunset Junction personality $5 Guy mentioned Christmas lights or decoration as the cause, while another neighbor mentioned a kicked over candle on a stairway (I witnessed two of the residents arguing about whose fault it was afterward). In any case, it's just sad to see several people lose their homes right before the holidays.

I agree. Marcspice, that was unnecessary...

You're right......I shouldn't have said that, it's sad to lose your house/apt.....happened to my place in Echo Park a few years ago....sorry

Even if the actual cause of this specific fire wasn't holiday lighting, it's still good advice to make sure your light strings are in good condition, plug them into outlets that can handle the load (with proper outdoor extension cords if you're doing a mega-whompus display), and turn them OFF when you go to bed. And think twice about what older wiring systems can handle...

Also a good reminder to check smoke detectors. A friend of a friend's rowhome caught on fire due to bad wiring from a remodel, and her smoke detector didn't go off. She only awoke when neighbors were shouting outside....she was lucky.