Fire that killed four in Memphis suburb started when ember landed on Christmas tree

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Collierville fire that killed 4 started when ember landed on Christmas tree, report says

An ember from an operating fireplace that landed on a live Christmas tree was to blame for the deadly Collierville house fire that killed Kari Coudriet, as well as teen siblings Sharron, Joy and Aaron Naik, according to a report released by the Collierville Fire Marshal's Office.

Though the Christmas tree was the main source of fuel, the Dec. 23 fire also quickly consumed wrapped presents and living room furniture, according to the report.

As the tree burned, thick black smoke billowed to the second floor where six occupants of the Coudriet home were sleeping.

Before firefighters arrived, Daniel Coudriet and his son, Cole, were able to escape the home through a second-story window with the help of neighbors and survived with minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Firefighters found the Naik siblings on the second floor. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Kari Coudriet was found a short time later and was removed from the house later in the morning after medical examiners performed an initial examination.

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