Ninth Red Bulb Placed on County Wreath During "Keep the Wreath Green"

Escambia County Fire Rescue has placed the ninth red bulb on the county wreath following a residential structure fire late Monday evening.

At 11:18 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, ECFR units E16, E11, SQ14, L12, T34, SQ3, BC2, BC3 and S4 responded to a residential structure fire at the 700 block of Decatur Avenue. Upon arrival, the back half of the home was showing flames and heavy smoke. Assistance was requested from NAS Pensacola's Truck 34 due to the significance of the fire. Crews were able to bring the situation under control by 12:15 a.m. Tuesday. While there were no injuries or fatalities, the home experienced significant damage to the rear addition and attic, causing the occupants to be displaced. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined an electrical issue caused the fire.

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.

View of the active from from Decatur Avenue

ECFR crews working a residential structure fire off Decatur Avenue

Photos courtesy of Shannon's Firetography