Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Red Bulbs Placed on Fire Safety Wreath

Escambia County Fire Rescue has placed three additional red bulbs on the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety wreath, bringing the total to seven residential structure fires so far during December. Last year's campaign concluded with 13 red bulbs.

The fifth fire occurred in the 5500 block of Barefoot Blvd. on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Escambia County Emergency Communications received a call at 9:06 p.m. about a residential kitchen fire. Escambia County Fire Rescue units E1, E11, L12, Sq3, E3415, BC2 and BC3 arrived on scene to find a working fire in the kitchen and in the attic of the residence. The incident was brought under control by 9:41 p.m. The structure appears to be a total loss. Assistance was provided by the Red Cross.

The sixth fire occurred in the 300 block of Teakwood Circle on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Escambia County Emergency Communications received a call at 10:25 p.m. regarding a report of a kitchen fire. Upon arrival, ECFR units E11, E16 and BC2 put out the kitchen fire; however, after checking the attic of the residence, ECFR discovered a smoldering fire caused by a shorted-out wire. The incident was brought under control by 11:05 p.m. There was moderate damage to the attic and the ceiling was removed from the master bath and kitchen area of the structure. There were no injuries.

The seventh fire occurred in the 1200 block of Rio Grande Circle on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Escambia County Emergency Communications received a call at 11:07 p.m. about a residential structure fire. Upon arrival, ECFR units L12, E17, SQ3, E34, E1 and BC3 discovered smoke coming from the roof of the residential structure. The incident was brought under control by 11:43 p.m. One occupant was displaced. There were no smoke alarms present. ECFR conducted the cause and origin investigation and determined the fire started due to electrical wiring in the attic space. Assistance was provided by the Red Cross and Navy Fire.

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 21 county fire stations and five city fire stations, as well as Escambia County's Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building and Pensacola City Hall. 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.

Safety Tips: 

Escambia County Fire Rescue encourages everyone to practice fire safety especially during the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to follow these safety tips so everyone can have a safe and happy holiday:

• Electrical malfunction is the leading cause of residential building attic fires. Always remember to inspect wires of appliances regularly and to replace or repair frayed, damages cables.
• Don’t store flammable liquids in the attic; all hazardous chemical liquids should be properly discarded or stored somewhere away from an ignition source.
• When hanging holiday lights, make sure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how many strands can be connected together.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or circuits, and do not run power cords underneath rugs or carpets.
• Remember to always practice home cooking safety. If you are cooking food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. View more home cooking safety tips here.
• Check smoke detectors regularly to make sure they are working properly.
• Residential building attic fires are most prevalent in December and January. Be extra vigilant during the holiday season.
• Communicate an escape plan to other members of the household in the event of a fire.

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