Updated at 6:34 p.m. Wednesday with new information

Fire investigators have determined a fire that destroyed an Edmonds home this morning started in an area of the living room where the Christmas tree stood.

Four people safely escaped from the burning home in the 20000 block of 81st Ave. W. after being awakened by smoke alarms just before 3 a.m.

The single-story house was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, according to Leslie Hynes, public information officer for Snohomish County Fire District 1, which provides fire and emergency medical service to the City of Edmonds.

The family escaped with a dog and a cat, but one dog died in the fire.

Firefighters from Fire District 1 and Lynnwood responded and had the fire under control within 25 minutes. No one was injured.

Although fire investigators were able to determine the fire started in the area of the Christmas tree, they were unable to identify how the fire started.

The homeowner and the family that rents the house have insurance. Support 7 and Red Cross are providing assistance. Preliminary loss estimate is $250,000.

“A house fire at this time of the morning when everyone is asleep could very easily have resulted in a loss of life, but the smoke alarms did their job. They alerted the occupants in time so they could make a safe escape,” Hynes said.

Firefighters encourage residents to test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button and replace batteries in smoke alarms twice a year or immediately if an alarm “chirps” warning the battery is low.

Christmas tree fires can spread quickly. Firefighters offer these safety tips:
-Water your tree daily.
-Always turn off Christmas lights before leaving or going to bed.
-Keep your tree away at least three feet away from any heat source or candles.
-Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it becomes dried out. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.