Fire torched a Christmas tree and routed members of a New Holland family from their apartment Saturday.

The tree went up in flames shortly before 4:40 p.m. at the New Holland Apartments, 146 E. Franklin St., said Liberty Fire Co. Chief Larry Martin.

"The family was eating at the table and someone needed a napkin," the chief said. The napkin caught fire when it came into contact with a candle and was accidentally flung into the tree.

An automatic sprinkler system quickly knocked down the flames, according to Martin, but there was some fire damage, and significant damage from water and smoke, to the first-floor residence.

An apartment and a community room in the basement also sustained heavy smoke and water damage, Martin said.

No damage estimate was available Saturday night. The fire was brought under control by 4:54 p.m.

Martin did not identify the 10 or so people in the apartment. He said a couple and their four children were dining with friends in the living room when the blaze broke out.

One adult was treated at the scene and another adult was taken to Lancaster General Hospital for breathing difficulties, asthma and anxiety, Martin said.

The family was displaced by the fire and was being assisted by the Red Cross Saturday night, Martin added. The other occupants of the building were allowed to return.

The contents of the burned apartment were hauled into a courtyard, said Martin, who noted that "Christmas trees are very, very flammable" as they dry out.

Firefighters from Blue Ball, New Holland, Gap and Ronks assisted.