Escambia County Fire Rescue has now placed a total of 17 red bulbs on the wreaths after 26 days of "Keep the Wreath Green" following several residential structure fires between Wednesday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 26.
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, Escambia County Fire Rescue units SQ3, E17, E1, E12, E6, BC2 and BC3 responded to a residential structure fire at the 700 block of Lagoon Drive. Upon arrival, crews noticed a single-story private dwelling with light smoke showing from the roof. Firefighters spent an extended amount of time throughout the home to discover the source of the smoldering smoke. ECFR crews were able to locate the fire within the ceiling of the structure. The occupants were temporarily displaced, but can reoccupy their home after repairs. The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical issue. This structure fire resulted in red bulb #12.
On the same evening, Escambia County Fire Rescue units TWR7, E6, E7, E4, E1, C2, and C7 responded to a multi-residential structure fire at the 1400 block of W. Nine Mile Road. Upon arrival, C7 noticed a three-story apartment building with black smoke coming from the first floor. The location of the fire was in a storage unit within a screened porch. Fortunately, the apartment complex featured an automatic fire sprinkler system, which triggered once it detected the fire. ECFR crews were able to then supply additional water to extinguish the smoldering fire. The residents were not displaced, resulting in no additional red bulb. The cause of the fire was an electrical malfunction within the patio storage unit.
On Thursday, Dec. 23, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E17, SQ3, E11, E16, E12, TWR7, BC2 and 702 responded to a residential structure fire at the 1600 block of Larry Avenue. Upon arrival, units noticed smoke showing from the eves of the home. ECFR crews were able to locate the fire quickly and apply water. The fire caused damages forcing temporary displacement for the residents. The home can be tenable with repairs. The State Fire Marshal's office was notified. This residential structure fire resulted in red bulb #13.
On Friday, Dec. 24, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E1, E12, SQ3, E17, TWR7, Truck 34, BC2 and BC3 responded to a residential structure fire at the 6100 block of Forest Pines Drive. Upon arrival, units noticed a single-story private dwelling with smoke showing. Firefighters discovered a fire in one of the bedrooms. After immediate application of water, the fire was brought under control with minutes after arrival. Due to the fire, two residents suffered injuries involving smoke inhalation and burns. The Bureau of Fire and Arson is currently investigating. This residential structure fire resulted in red bulb #14.
On the evening of Christmas Eve, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E4, E18, E6, E1, TWR7, SQ3, T2, T9, T18, PS1, C7, 702, BC3, 901, E9 and A11 responded to a residential structure fire at the 3300 block of Wild Turkey Road. Upon arrival, E4 noticed smoke showing from a single-story mobile home. A fire managed to break out due to electrical issues, causing major damage to the home. The structure has been considered a total loss. The American Red Cross has provided assistance for the displaced residents. This residential structure fire resulted in red bulb #15.
On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E18, E9, E6, E4, E15, 901, PS1, BC3 and 1501 responded to a residential structure fire at the 6400 block of Jahaza Street. Upon arrival, E18 witnessed a mobile home engulfed in flames. ECFR crews attacked the fire and brought the situation under control within 20 minutes after they received the call. Due to the severity of the damages, the home has been determined a total loss. The result of this residential structure fire lead to red bulb #16.
On the evening of Christmas Day, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E7, SQ3, E17, E6, E12, TWR7, BC2 and BC3 responded to a multi-residential structure at the 800 block of Bloodworth Lane. Upon arrival, smoke was seen from the ridge vent on a two-story wood frame multi-family dwelling. After making entry, crews located the fire in the kitchen. After water application, the fire damage was limited to the kitchen with smoke damage extending into the dining room. With repairs, the home can be tenable again. The cause of the fire was determined to be a cooking-related incident. This residential structure fire lead to red bulb #17.
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.
