Escambia County Fire Rescue has placed two red bulbs on the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety wreath representing two structure fires which occurred on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Escambia County Emergency Communications received a call at 1:49 p.m. reporting a structure fire in the 600 block of Bayshore Drive. Upon initial investigation, smoke was visible in the first floor gathering room at the Riveria Condominiums. The fire was apparently started by three very old extension cords plugged together with Christmas lights. Two of the cords were not UL approved.
The second fire occurred in the 7100 block of Community Drive at 10:09 p.m. When Escambia County Fire Rescue arrived, smoke and flames were visible. Four adults were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported. The fire was apparently started by an unattended candle left burning on the dresser in the bedroom. There was not a working smoke detector in the home. The related images with this release show the total loss of this home.
If your home does not 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.
The “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign is a 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. For more tips on how to stay safe during the holiday season, visit myescambia.com/KeepTheWreathGreen.