At the conclusion of "Keep the Wreath Green," Escambia County Fire Rescue placed a total of 19 red bulbs on the wreaths between Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The record for amount of red bulbs on the wreath is 22, a record set in 2004. The 19 red bulbs are the second-highest amount.
Between Wednesday, Dec. 29, and Friday, Dec. 31, Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to two residential structure fires that displaced the occupants, resulting in the two additional red bulbs that brought the final total to 19.
At 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E15, E9, E519 and E31 responded to a residential structure fire at the 3900 block of Ashcraft Road. Upon arrival, ECFR crews witnessed smoke showing from the exterior of the home. Once inside, units attacked a fire in the kitchen, bringing the situation under control by 1 p.m. Due to the damages, the kitchen was determined a total loss. The rest of home also suffered significant smoke damage. The cause of the fire was determined to be a cooking-related incident. This residential structure fire resulted in red bulb #18.
At 12:19 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31, Escambia County Fire Rescue units L13, E17, E16 and BC3 responded to a multi-residential structure fire at the 1300 block of Fort Pickens Road. SRE33, SRE35 and SRE-BC35 from Santa Rosa County provided assistance. Upon arrival, ECFR units witnessed a working vehicle fire underneath a three-story multi-family dwelling. Rapid water application managed to prevent further damages. Due to utilities needing to be shut off during the effort, one occupant had to be temporarily displaced. The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical malfunction with the vehicle. This residential structure fire resulted in red bulb #19, the final red bulb in 2021.
Throughout the duration of "Keep the Wreath Green," the City of Pensacola managed to have zero residential structure fires that resulted in occupant displacement.
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.
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.
(Burned vehicle from the Ft. Pickens Road fire)
