Candles Extinguished on Fire Safety Tree

Santa Rosa County emergency service agencies are teaming up for the fifth year to promote fire safety during the month of December with the “Keep Your Holidays Bright” campaign. While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Fire fighters hope to reduce the number of fires in Santa Rosa County by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips throughout the month. In the first year nine candles were extinguished on the safety tree, three in the second year, six in the 2009 campaign and four in 2010.

First Candle Extinguished on Fire Safety Tree

A residential structure fire on the 4800 block of Covenant Circle in the Pace Fire District represents the first candle to be extinguished on the “Keep Your Holidays Bright” fire safety tree.   Santa Rosa County Emergency Communications was notified of the fire at 4:15 a.m. by the homeowner who reported smoke in the home. Units from Pace, Avalon and Skyline fire departments responded to the fire which was contained to the attic. The family of two is temporarily displaced by the fire which is believed to have been caused by a faulty heating system. Damage is estimated at $25,000-50,000.

Second Candle Extinguished on Fire Safety Tree

A residential structure fire in the 5600 block of Wychewood Road in the Tanglewood subdivision represents the second candle to be extinguished on the “Keep Your Holidays Bright” fire safety tree.   Santa Rosa County Emergency Communications received multiple calls reporting the fire and sounds of explosions beginning at 3:07 p.m. The fire was fully involved when crews arrived on scene at 3:16 p.m. Units from Skyline, East Milton , Whiting Field, the City of Milton , Allentown , Pace and Harold fire departments;    Lifeguard Ambulance Service and the sheriff’s office responded to the fire. The explosions reported were ammunition rounds kept in the home going off due to the heat of the fire. One resident was home at the time and was able to leave the home safely. The house is a total loss and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family of three. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and the state fire marshal is investigating.

Third Candle Extinguished on Fire Safety Tree 

A third residential structure fire for December 1 represents the third candle to be extinguished on the “Keep Your Holidays Bright” fire safety tree. Santa Rosa County Emergency Communications received a call at 6:57 p.m. regarding the fire in the 8300 block ofSierra Street in Navarre with crews arriving at 7:04 p.m.   The mobile home’s roof was damage by the fire with interior smoke and water damage.   No one was injured.   One person is displaced and will stay with family members. Holley-Navarre , NavarreBeach, Midway, and Florosa fire departments responded.  The fire is thought to have started in the home’s chimney. Holley-Navarre Fire District Chief Ron Norton urges residents to use fireplaces safely and states, “Chimney fires are preventable. This is a good reminder for all of us who have fireplaces or wood stoves, that it should be professionally inspected and cleaned each year.” According to Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 25,100 chimney fires are responsible for 30 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage each year.

For more fire safety tips, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov.