Weekend Fires Lead to 12 Bulbs on Wreath for "Keep the Wreath Green"

Escambia County Fire Rescue has added three more red bulbs to the wreath following two residential and one commercial structure fires over the weekend. This brings the total to 12 red bulbs on the wreath during "Keep the Wreath Green."

On Saturday, Dec. 21, seven ECFR units responded to a residential structure fire at the 8700 block of Doris Avenue. The first arriving company saw smoke coming from the front door of the single-story home. A fire was discovered in the kitchen, prompting a rapid attack on the flames. The fire damages were limited to the kitchen, but the occupants will be displaced until repairs are made. Escambia County EMS transported one occupant to an area hospital. The American Red Cross has provided assistance to those displaced. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the fire was caused due to unattended cooking. Due to the displacement, the tenth red bulb was added to the wreath.

At 3:48 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E5, E22, E9, SQ18, E4, T15, 902, 1501 and BC3 responded to a mobile home structure fire at the 200 block of Cox Road. E9 arrived to a well-involved mobile home structure fire with exposures to a nearby mobile home. ECFR units worked quickly to prevent the flames from extending to the nearby mobile home and eventually brought the situation under control by 4:21 p.m. The mobile home with heavy flames was a total loss while the nearby structure suffered minor damage. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined a nearby trash fire extended to the mobile home. Following the mobile home fire, the eleventh red bulb was added to the wreath.

At 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22, nine ECFR units responded to a mutual aid call at the 3000 block of Old Chemstrand Road. Heavy smoke and flames were visible upon arrival to the four-story industrial building with the company's fire department already working the fire. ECFR crews assisted the company fire department with fire control and overhaul, eventually bringing the situation under control by 5:54 p.m. ECFR added the twelfth red bulb to the wreath following the commercial structure fire. 

Keep the Wreath Green

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.

Doris Avenue kitchen fire