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

Escambia County Fire Rescue placed the first two red bulbs on the wreath in 2024 following residential structure fires on Monday evening, Dec.2. and Tuesday morning, Dec. 3.

At 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E11, E16, L12, E17, E1, BC2, BC3 and S4 responded to a residential structure fire at the 7500 block of Pontiac Drive. Upon arrival, flames showed from the ridge vent of a single-story wood-frame home. ECFR attacked the fire, bringing the situation under control by 9:42 p.m. Due to the significant damages, the home is a total loss. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the fire was caused by improper fireplace venting. The displaced occupants were assisted with temporary housing by the American Red Cross.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 1:56 a.m., Escambia County Fire Rescue units E1, L12, E17, SQ3, E11, S4, BC2 and BC3 responded to a mobile home structure fire at the 5400 block of Wales Avenue. Heavy flames were visible upon arrival with multiple exposures to nearby structures. ECFR crews rapidly applied water to prevent the flames from extending to other structures, eventually bringing the situation under control by 2:19 a.m. There were no injuries or fatalities. The mobile home was a total loss and the Bureau of Fire and Arson is investigating the cause and origin of 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 will be 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, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall. Each time firefighters respond to a residential or commercial structure fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential and commercial buildings. 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.

Chimney fire photo from the Pontiac Drive residential structure fire