Nine Red Bulbs Now on Wreath for 'Keep the Wreath Green'

Escambia County Fire Rescue has added two more red bulbs to the wreath following residential structure fires on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and Wednesday, Dec. 18. This brings the total to nine red bulbs during "Keep the Wreath Green."

At 1:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, Escambia County Rescue units E1, SQ3, L12, S1 and C2 responded to a mobile home structure fire at the 5500 block of Glass Drive. Light smoke was visible upon arrival at the single-wide mobile home. Firefighters located the fire in the kitchen of the home. With rapid water application, the fire damage was limited to the kitchen. Although the damages were limited, the occupants were temporarily displaced while repairs are being made. The American Red Cross has assisted the occupants. One person was provided medical attention by Escambia County EMS, but no transports to an area hospital were needed. ECFR determined a grease fire was the cause of the incident. Due to the occupant displacement, the eighth red bulb was added to the wreath.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 18, Escambia County Fire Rescue units E17, SQ3, E16, E11, L12, BC2 and BC3 responded to a residential structure fire at the 2600 block of W. Hernandez Street. Upon arrival, a single-story wood-framed home showed heavy flames, creating a defensive attack for firefighters. While attempting to enter the burning structure, the front porch roof collapsed, causing ECFR to make entry through windows. ECFR eventually brought the situation under control by 12:37 a.m. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and the cause is being investigated by the Bureau of Fire and Arson. Due to the damages, the home is a total loss. The ninth red bulb was added to the wreath following the 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.

Kitchen fire from Glass Drive