TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Tallahassee Fire Department launched its annual \u201cKeep the Wreath Green\u201d campaign, a month-long effort to remind residents to stay fire-safe during the holiday season.<\/p>\n
Each year, a wreath lit with 50 green bulbs is placed at Dorothy B. Oven Park. Every time firefighters respond to a home fire, a green bulb is replaced with a red one. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you come to the park and look at the wreath and see red bulbs, we hope that piques something in you to be more fire safety conscious,\u201d TFD spokesperson Todd Inserra said.<\/p>\n
As of Tuesday, four bulbs have turned red, including one after a Dec. 2 fire on Marion Avenue, where no one was home, but firefighters rescued a cat. The fire is believed to have been electrical, according to a Facebook post by TFD.<\/p>\n
The Keep the Wreath Green program began in 2010, when 41 bulbs turned red. Last year, nine bulbs were changed, and the lowest count came in 2022, with six.<\/p>\n
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Inserra said the decrease over the years reflects improved fire-safety habits and faster response times. \u201cThe number could be much higher if it weren\u2019t for our quick response and actions by our firefighters,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
He noted December is typically busier due to increased cooking, heating equipment use, and holiday decorations. \u201cWith all those things considered, this month typically is a busier month,\u201d Inserra said. <\/p>\n
TFD encourages everyone to follow these tips to help keep the wreath green:<\/p>\n
Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.Stay in the kitchen while cooking, and never leave fryers or grills unattended.Keep flammable objects like towels, packaging and decorations away from heat sources.If using a live tree, water it daily to prevent it from drying out.Turn off holiday lights and extinguish candles before leaving home or going to bed.Use fireplaces safely by keeping embers contained and ensuring they\u2019re fully extinguished before bed.<\/p>\n
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