DeKALB – The DeKalb Fire Department announced its 24th annual Red Wreath Program, where the department displays lighted wreaths as a visual reminder of home fire safety during the holiday season.
DeKalb fire officials wrote in a Friday news release the fire department will display wreaths with all red bulbs outside each fire station on Thanksgiving Day. If an emergency fire incident related to the holiday season occurs, firefighters will replace a red bulb with a white bulb and the display will continue through Jan. 1, 2021.
The leading causes of holiday fires include cooking, candles, electrical short circuits in decorative lights and combustible holiday decorations, along with chimney fires or electric and kerosene space heaters, per the news release. The National Fire Protection Agency recommends avoiding using extension cords, to be alert when cooking and to keep fresh Christmas trees at least 3 feet away from heat sources, including lights, and always turning off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Last year, DeKalb’s red wreaths were displayed for nearly 40 days and no fire incidents related to the holiday season occurred, according to the news release. However, the fire department responded to 553 requests for emergency services, including 8 fires, during that period.
For more information or to ask any questions about the program or fire safety, contact the DeKalb Fire Department at 815-748-8460.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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