Sunday Evening Structure Fire Adds Ninth Red Bulb to Wreath

At 10:35 p.m. on Sunday, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E11, E16, E17, E12, BC2, BC3 and Air 11 responded to a residential structure fire at the 200 block of Omega Court. Upon arrival, E11 witnessed a single-story home with heavy fire in the front part of the structure. Units attacked the fire, limiting the fire damage to the front of home, while other sections of the home suffered smoke damage. With repairs, the home can be reoccupied. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. However, the occupant of the home has been temporarily displaced. The American Red Cross has provided assistance to the displaced occupant. The cause of the fire has been determined as an electrical failure in the living room.

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:

• Remember to blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Remember to check the wires of appliances regularly and to replace or repair frayed, damages cables.
• Unplug all small electrical appliances, such as irons and toasters when not in use.
• Check smoke detectors regularly to make sure they are working properly.
• 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.

Pictures courtesy of Shannon's Firetography