The Pensacola Fire Department, in collaboration with Escambia County Fire Rescue, will launch its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” Fire Safety campaign Tuesday, Dec. 1. While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Firefighters hope to reduce the number of fires by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day in December.
During the month-long campaign, 5-foot wreaths will be on display at five city fire stations and 21 county fire stations, with wreaths also be placed outside Escambia County's Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall near the food court entrance. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green bulb we be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential homes. In 2019, one bulb was changed to red on city wreaths, in 2018, two bulbs were changed to red on city wreaths and in 2017, seven bulbs were changed to red.
According to the United States Fire Administration, fires occurring during the winter claim the lives of over 900 people and cause over $2.1 billion in damage. Nationally, cooking is the leading cause of home winter fires, with 5-8 p.m. being the most common time for a fire to occur. A working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Additionally, practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
City of Pensacola residents are encouraged to call the Pensacola Fire Department at 850-436-5200 for smoke alarm assistance. County residents may call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376).
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The Pensacola Fire Department and Escambia County Fire Rescue offer the following holiday safety tips, one for each day of the month:
Dec. 15 - Have a fire extinguisher readily available in your home, and make sure it is fully charged. Know how to use your fire extinguisher. Remember the PASS system: 1. Pull the pin. 2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. 3. Squeeze the trigger lever. 4. Sweep the stream side-to-side at the base of the fire.
The Pensacola Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!