Red Bulbs 11, 12 & 13 Added on Wreath During "Keep the Wreath Green"

Escambia County Fire Rescue added three more red bulbs to the wreath between Friday, Dec. 23, and Tuesday, Dec. 27. The current total is 13 red bulbs added to the wreath during the 2022 "Keep the Wreath Green initiative.

On Friday, Dec. 23, at 4:56 p.m., ECFR units E9, T31, E18, E23, E22, T22, T9, 1502 and BC3 responded to a residential structure fire at the 4200 block of Still Road. Upon arrival, a double-wide mobile home was engulfed in flames. ECFR quickly attacked the fire, bringing the situation under control by 5:30 p.m. Due to the damages, the structure was a total loss, resulting in the 11th red bulb being added to the wreath. Unfortunately, two dogs were pronounced deceased due to the fire. There were no other injuries or fatalities. The Bureau of Fire and Arson is investigating the cause.

On Sunday, Dec. 25, at 6:56 a.m., ECFR units E6, E1, E4, E2, L12, BC3 and BC2 responded to a residential structure fire at the 700 block of W. Roberts Road. Upon arrival, a single-story home was showing smoke from the roof. Due to the fire in the attic, the smoke detectors did not alert the occupants, meaning they did not receive notice of the fire until after ECFR's arrival. After further investigation, a fire was discovered in the attic of the home. The fire was quickly extinguished, bringing the situation under control by 7:13 a.m. Due to the damages in the attic, the occupants are displaced until the repairs can be made. There were no injuries or fatalities. The American Red Cross provided assistance to those displaced. This structure fire has resulted in the 12th red bulb being added to the wreath.

On Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 8:22 a.m., ECFR units E4, E1, E219, E6 and BC3 responded to a residential structure fire at the 1900 block of Smyers Road. Upon arrival, a repurposed camper shell was discovered on fire. ECFR extinguished the fire by 8:48 a.m., but the resulting damages have made the repurposed camper shell a total loss. Due to the shell being used as a living space, this fire results in the 13th red bulb being added to the wreath. There were no injuries or fatalities. After investigation, ECFR determined extension cords being used to power numerous items caused the 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 December. During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 21 county fire stations, five city fire stations, 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.

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