Three More Red Bulbs Placed on County Wreath, Total Now at 6

Escambia County Fire Rescue has placed three more red bulbs on the wreath in 2023 following Wednesday's multi-residential structure fire and Thursday's residential structure fire.

At 3:33 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, ECFR units E7, E13, E6, SQ3, E12, E17, E4, S1, S4, BC2, BC3, C1 and C2 responded to a multi-residential structure fire at the 2200 block of Gloria Circle. Upon arrival, flames were seen from the second-floor balcony of the two-story apartment complex. Due to the significance of the fire, additional units were called, including mutual aid assistance from Pensacola's L16 and Santa Rosa's L21. With the additional units and rapid water application, the situation was controlled by 3:54 p.m. Due to the fire damage to the top floor unit and the water damage to the bottom unit, two families were displaced. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the fire was caused by discarded smoking materials. Minor injuries were sustained to two individuals during the fire, but all refused transportation to the hospital. The American Red Cross assisted those displaced by the fire.

At 12:08 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, ECFR units E17, E12, E11, E16, BC3 and S4 responded to a residential structure fire at the 3800 block of W. Lloyd Street. A working bedroom fire was seen upon arrival. ECFR immediately went to work, bringing the situation under control by 12:30 a.m. with rapid water application. Damages were limited to the bedroom, but the occupants will be displaced while repairs occur. The American Red Cross assisted those displaced. There were no injuries or fatalities. ECFR determined the cause of the fire was due to an electric heater in one of the bedrooms.

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. View here for more tips on how to stay safe during the holiday season.

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.

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.

ECFR's response to the multi-residential structure fire on Wednesday, Dec. 13