UPDATE: Christmas Day fire in Oak Hill ruled accidental - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

UPDATE: OAK HILL (WVVA) - A Christmas Day fire that damaged two homes in Oak Hill has been ruled accidental.

Investigators say a home owner on Thompson Avenue was burning wrapping paper in the garage when the fire got out of control.

The fire engulfed the garage, spreading into the residence and a neighboring home.

The garage was a total loss. Both homes suffered interior damage but are salvagable.

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OAK HILL (WVVA) – Two Oak Hill families will be temporarily displaced this Christmas after their homes caught on fire Tuesday morning.

Firefighters say the fire started from an unidentified explosion in the garage between two houses on Thompson Avenue.  The cause of the explosion is still under investigation by the Fayette County Sheriff Department. 

The garage is rendered a total loss.  Both homes have some exterior and interior damage from flames and water but are not completely lost.

According to Oak Hill Assistant Fire Chief Robert Begley, the fire started just after the families had finished opening their Christmas presents, and all family members were able to exit the burning homes safely. 

Oak Hill, Fayetteville, and Mt. Hope fire crews all responded to the scene.  Begley says they were able to control the fire within 10 minutes.