‘Keep the Wreath Green’ Campaign Ends with Seven Red Bulbs

The 2018 "Keep the Wreath Green" fire safety campaign has come to an end with seven red bulbs on the fire safety wreath, each representing a residential structure fire in Escambia County during the month of December.

This year's "Keep the Wreath Green" campaign ended with fewer red bulbs than the previous three years, likely due to a combination of a mild December and residents being diligent about practicing fire safety. The 2017 campaign ended with 10 red bulbs, the 2016 campaign ended with 12 red bulbs and the 2015 campaign ended with nine red bulbs. 

The “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign is an Escambia County collaborative initiative with the city of Pensacola to promote fire safety during the month of December. During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 18 county fire stations and five city fire stations, with wreaths also placed outside Escambia County's Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall near the food court entrance. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential home.

Escambia County Fire Rescue reminds residents to stay safe all year long by following these tips:

• Have a working smoke detector in every room of your home. If your home doesn't have a working smoke detector, please call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376) or 850-436-5200 for city of Pensacola residents.
• Close your bedroom door at night when you sleep. In case of fire, a closed door can isolate the fire’s flow, reduce room temperature and keep carbon monoxide levels down.
• Have an escape plan and know two ways out of every room in your home. 
• Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the room, turn the stove off first. 
• Don’t overload extension cords or wall outlets. Check your electrical cords. If they are cracked or damaged, replace them. Don’t try to repair them.

For fire safety tips and other updates from Escambia County Fire Rescue, like Escambia County Fire Rescue on Facebook.