Crime & Safety

'Keep the Wreath Red' Promotes Holiday Fire Safety

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District is participating in the "Keep the Wreath Red" holiday fire safety awareness program.

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) is once again participating in "Keep the Wreath Red," a public awareness program where seasonal décor encourages residents to keep their families safe from fire this holiday season.

The wreaths hanging at the district’s fire stations in Lake Barrington and Barrington Hills begin the season illuminated with red bulbs. Any fire in the district that is caused by holiday decorations will be represented by a white bulb. The program will run through New Year’s Day.

"The wreaths provide a helpful visual reminder to residents that dangerous fires still occur during this most festive time of year," said BCFPD Fire Chief/Administrator Jeff Swanson. "Let’s all work together to keep our families safe from fire this holiday season."

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No such fires have occurred in the district since it began participating in the program in 2008, he adds.

To help continue that trend, the BCFPD has posted a series of holiday safety tips on its website that are designed to help residents "Keep the Wreath Red" for yet another year.

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The "Keep the Wreath Red" program was established in Naperville in 1954. The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association adopted the program in 1980 as a way to focus public attention on the dangers of holiday-related fires.

Submitted by the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District


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