ECFR Adds Fourth Bulb on Wreath During 'Keep the Wreath Green'

Escambia County Fire Rescue has added the fourth red bulb to the "Keep the Wreath Green" wreath in 2025 following a multi-residential structure fire involving a commercial business on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a multi-residential structure fire involving a commercial business at 4:54 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the 3300 block of Mobile Highway. Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy smoke showing from a two-story apartment complex that included a laundromat and grocery store on the first floor. Firefighters quickly located and extinguished the fire in an apartment kitchen, preventing a total loss of the apartment unit and additional damage to other units. Despite the rapid response by ECFR, the occupants will be displaced until repairs are completed. The grocery store on the first floor will also require repairs due to water damage. There were no injuries or fatalities.

ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the cause to be an accidental cooking-related fire. The American Red Cross has provided temporary housing to the displaced occupants. Additional assistance during the response was provided by Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Florida Power & Light, and Fire and Emergency Services Gulf Coast Ladder 34.

During the month-long "Keep the Wreath Green" fire safety campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 18 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 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.

Escambia County Fire Rescue would like to encourage residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment. Click here for tips on how to heat your home safely.

For information about obtaining a home smoke alarm, call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376) or 850-436-5200 for City of Pensacola residents.

For fire safety tips and other updates from Escambia County Fire Rescue, follow Escambia County Fire Rescue on Facebook and Instagram.