Another Residential Fire Adds Seventh Red Bulb To Wreaths

December 13, 2008

On December 1, Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department kicked off the “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday fire safety campaign. A seventh red bulb was lit late Friday following a seventh residential fire.

At 5:20 Friday afternoon, a fire was reported in the 3100 block of Two Sisters Way in the Pensacola area. The fire, located in the kitchen, was caused by unattended cooking and was quickly brought under control. No injuries were reported. Firefighters from Osceola and Warrington responded.

With cooking fires accounting for the largest percentage of home fires within Escambia County and across the United Sates, here are a few fire safety tips for the kitchen:

  • Never leave food to cook unattended.
  • Keep pot handles turned in to avoid bumping or knocking hot pots over.
  • Keep cooking areas clean and free of grease and other combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging), which can catch fire easily
  • Don?t pour water on grease fires. Either smother them with a lid or baking powder or use a proper extinguisher.
  • K eep children away from the cooking area while the stove, oven or other appliances are in use.
  • Keep pets from underfoot so you do not trip and keep them away from cooking surfaces and nearby countertops.
  • Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
  • Keep an ABC extinguisher readily available and know how to use it.

Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department will continue the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign throughout the holiday season. This year, the fifth year of the campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 22 different locations throughout the holiday season. These sites are the Old Escambia County Courthouse on Palafox Place, the Public Safety Building on W Street, all 18 primary county fire stations, and two fire stations within the City of Pensacola. Every time firefighters respond to a residential fire a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by holiday decorations.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News