PUBLIC INFORMATION:
Jan. 4, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaycee Lagarde
850-435-1623
klagarde@cityofpensacola.com

City 'Keep the Wreath Green' Fire Safety Campaign Ends with Zero Red Bulbs

For the first time since the campaign began, the City of Pensacola ended its annual "Keep the Wreath Green" Fire Safety Campaign with zero red bulbs. Although there were some commercial and residential structure fires in city limits during the month of December, none of the residential fires displaced occupants or caused significant damage, thanks to rapid response from the Pensacola Fire Department. 

The annual campaign is a partnership with Escambia County Fire Rescue with a goal of reducing the number of fires by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day in December.

During the month-long campaign, 5-foot wreaths were 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 and Pensacola City Hall. Each time firefighters responded to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb was replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential home.

In 2020, three bulbs were changed to red on city wreaths, in 2019, one bulb was changed to red, and in 2018, two bulbs were changed to red.

"I'm incredibly proud that the City of Pensacola was able to keep the wreath green during our annual fire safety campaign, which is a testament to our exceptional fire department and the citizens of Pensacola," Mayor Grover Robinson said. "I'd like to commend Pensacola Fire Department for their hard work everyday to protect our community, and extend my thanks to all of our residents for practicing fire safety during the holidays." 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of every five (44%) of home Christmas tree fires. Two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room. One of every five (21%) decoration fires were started in the kitchen.

“The city wreath is green not only because of the extraordinary efforts and professionalism of our PFD firefighters and Fire Marshal’s team, but also the efforts of the City of Pensacola’s Public Information Office to share fire safety tips with the public all December long,” Pensacola Fire Chief Ginny Cranor said. “However, it is Pensacola’s residents who share the largest portion of this accomplishment, by taking fire safety seriously and asking us for help when needed. Well done, Pensacola!” 

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).

For fire safety tips and other updates from the Pensacola Fire Department, like Pensacola Fire Department on Facebook.

Pensacola Fire Department and Escambia County Fire Rescue remind residents to stay safe all year long by following these tips:

• Have a working smoke detector in every room of your home. If your home doesn't 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.
• Close your bedroom door at night when you sleep. In case of fire, a closed door can isolate the fire’s flow, reduce room temperature and keep carbon monoxide levels down.
• Have an escape plan and know two ways out of every room in your home. 
• Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the room, turn the stove off first. 
• Don’t overload extension cords or wall outlets. Check your electrical cords. If they are cracked or damaged, replace them. Don’t try to repair them.

For more information or general questions, email pio@cityofpensacola.com. To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.