UPDATE January 28, 2015 4:16 pm:
WASHINGTON – Investigators say that an electrical fire in an Annapolis mansion was to blame for the blaze that destroyed the home and killed six people.
The fire has been ruled an accident.
Anne Arundel County fire officials said Wednesday afternoon that the electrical fire ignited combustible material and then spread to a 15-foot Christmas tree standing in the middle of a great room with 19-foot ceilings.
Officials also confirmed the identities of the six people recovered from the remains of the home as homeowners Don and Sandra Pyle and four grandchildren ages 6 to 8.
Officials have not confirmed how the victims died. They are waiting on the medical examiner.
Christmas decorations were still hung on the gates at the entrance to the waterfront home the day of the fire, Jan. 19.
Don and Sandra Pyle lived in the 16,000-square-foot home. Their four grandchildren are believed to have died with them in the fire.
Anne Arundel fire officials have scheduled a press briefing for Wednesday afternoon.
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