1 dead, firefighter injured in San Francisco house fire

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - One person died and two people were injured, including a San Francisco firefighter, in an early morning blaze in the Laurel Heights neighborhood, fire officials said.

One fire fighter received burns to his back and neck as crews scrambled to rush in. They were able to pull the woman to safety and she was rushed to an area burn unit. But for the man living there, it was too late. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene. A tragic Christmas eve for the family and a difficult day for the city's bravest.

Crews responded to the two-alarm fire shortly before 1 a.m. Monday at a three-story home in the 3800 block of Clay Street.

Arson investigators have been on scene trying to determine how and where this fire started.

At this point investigators haven't ruled out holiday decorations as a possible cause for this fire. This was just a horrific horrific accident as far as we can tell at this time. It is still under investigation," said Kalos.

Although it's unknown if it was a factor in this case, fire fighters are asking everyone to make sure they have working smoke detectors in their homes this holiday season and that there is plenty of water for the tree.

The fire started on the home's second floor, and spread to the third floor. What sparked the fire is under investigation.

They're hoping to stop any more holiday tragedies this year.