Three More Red Bulbs Placed on County Wreath, Total Now at 12

Escambia County Fire Rescue has placed the three more red bulbs on the county wreath following residential structure fires that occurred over the Christmas weekend, bringing the total of red bulbs on the wreath to 12.

At 12:29 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 25, ECFR units E17, E11, E16, Squad 3, Ladder 12, BC2, BC3, Safety 4, and EMS responded to a residential structure fire at the 1900 block of North "L" Street. Upon arrival, crews saw smoke showing from the attic. Thanks to fast response with rapid water application, the fire was kept to the attic and brought under control by 12:55 a.m. There were no injuries or fatalities. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the cause of the fire to be the HVAC system, which spread through the home's duct work. Assistance was provided by the American Red Cross. 

At 1:17 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 25, ECFR units E16, E11, SQ3, L12, E1, E17, E6, SQ14, Safety 4, BC2 and BC3 responded to a residential structure fire at the 100 block of Alice Street. BC2 was the first to arrive on scene and found a single story home with heavy fire on the rear of the home. Despite heavy wind conditions, crews worked quickly to stop the fire and brought it under control by 1:35 a.m. Unfortunately, one cat was found deceased from the fire. Due to significant damage from the fire, the occupants were displaced. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined an accidental electrical issue caused the fire. Assistance was provided by the American Red Cross. 

At 2:28 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25, ECFR units E519, SQ9, 901, E23, 501, 502, and T9 responded to a residential mobile home fire at the 130 block of West State Line Road. E519 arrived first on scene and discovered fire on one end of the mobile home. Upon investigation, E519 located fire in the living room, hallway and master bedroom. Due to the significance of the fire, assistance was requested from Santa Rosa Engine 27. Crews worked quickly to attack the fire, bringing it under control by 2:45 p.m. There were no injuries or fatalities. The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is investigating the cause of the fire. Additional assistance was provided by the American Red Cross. 

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 crews attack a fire at the 100 block of Alice Street

Damage from the fire at the 100 block of Alice Street

Damage from the fire at the 130 block of State Line Road