ANNAPOLIS (WUSA9) -- An electrical failure has been identified as the cause of the Annapolis mansion fire.
The fire began in the "Great Room" of the home, a large room with ceilings about 19 feet tall, according to Anne Arundel County Fire officials.
The electrical failure ignited combustible material in the area and quickly spread to the Christmas tree and furnishings, officials said.
"The involvement of the Christmas tree explains the heavy fire conditions found by the first arriving crews," officials said.
The tree has been cut down more than sixty days prior to the fire, officials said.
"The fire was a result of a tragic accident that occurred at the worst possible time while the family was sleeping," officials explained.
The office of the Chief Medical Examiner has positively identified the six victims of the fire as:
Don Pyle, age 56
Sandra Pyle, age 63
Alexis Boone, age 8
Kaitlyn Boone, age 7
Charlotte Boone, age 8
Wesley Boone, age 6.
