First Two Red Bulbs Placed on Wreath During "Keep the Wreath Green"

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Escambia County Fire Rescue placed two red bulbs on the wreath following two residential structure fires in the morning. The two red bulbs are the first to be placed on the wreath during the 2022 "Keep the Wreath Green" campaign.

At 12:38 a.m., ECFR units E11, E17, L12, BC2, E16 and SQ3 responded to a residential structure fire at the 6300 block of W. Jackson Street. Upon arrival, a small fire was located at the electrical meter along the outside of the home. While ECFR investigated the inside of the home, a smoldering fire was located within the walls of the home. Both fires were quickly extinguished, and there were no injuries or fatalities. ECFR determined the fire was started due to an electrical issue. One occupant has been temporarily displaced until power can be restored to the structure. Due to the displacement, the first red bulb was added to the wreath for 2022.

At 10:05 a.m., ECFR units E17, S2, E11, E1, BC2 and E16 responded to a residential structure fire at the 100 block of Georgia Drive. Upon arrival, smoke was showing the single-story structure where a fire broke out in the kitchen. Due to the quick response from ECFR, smoke and fire damages were limited to the kitchen area. There were no injuries or fatalities. The cause of the fire was cooking-related. The occupants have been temporarily displaced until the damages can be repaired. This residential structure fire resulted in the second red bulb being placed on the wreath.

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 a 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, damaged 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.