2 Boys Hospitalized After Home Christmas Tree Fire

VAN NUYS — Two boys--ages 4 and 11--suffered smoke inhalation and burns Wednesday when a Christmas tree caught fire inside an apartment, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman said.

The 4-year-old suffered second- and third-degree burns to his arm and was taken to Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Mission Hills, fire spokesman Jim Wells said. He was listed in serious condition late Wednesday.

The older boy was taken to the same hospital in serious condition after inhaling smoke, Wells said.

The fire was reported just after 8 p.m. in the 8800 block of Langdon Avenue, Wells said. Flames apparently had spread from a Christmas tree to a living room sofa.

Damage to the residence was estimated at $15,000.