Flickering lights, festive candles, holiday cooking, and Christmas greens are signs of the holiday season. However, holiday decorations and activities can also present higher fire risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of house fires in December are started by candles and one-fifth of fires are a result of cooking.

The Laramie Fire Department wants to keep the holidays free of fires and full of festivities. To do so, they are hosting the annual “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign. This campaign is an initiative focused on promoting awareness and fire safety during the holiday season. The wreath, displayed outside Fire Station 1, serves as a visual representation of the community’s commitment to fire safety. The red lights on the wreath are a reminder to practice caution and prevent holiday-related fires.

In the unfortunate event a fire does occur during the holiday season, a red bulb is replaced with a white one on the wreath. This visual color change acts as a clear signal that a holiday-related fire has occurred, serving as a reminder to everyone in the community to be vigilant and take precautions to keep the wreath red. The wreath will remain illuminated 24 hours a day throughout the holiday season, starting December 1st and lasting to January 1st.

#KeepTheWreathRed will be used to promote the campaign on social media platforms, encouraging individuals to share the message and spread awareness about holiday fire safety. The campaign not only aims to prevent fires but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement in ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all.

To prevent holiday-related fires in your home and do your part to #KeepTheWreathRed, the Laramie Fire Department urges residents to never leave cooking unattended, not to use outdoor lights indoors, and keep open flames away from decorations. 

For an interview, contact LFD Fire Chief, Dan Johnson, at djohnson@cityoflaramie.org.

###