Residents Play Critical Role in BCFPD Efforts to ‘Keep the Wreath Red’

Program Helps Focus Public Attention on the Importance of Fire Safety

2021 marks the 14^th consecutive year of the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District’s participation in the “Keep the Wreath Red” program, which uses festive wreaths to highlight the importance of seasonal fire safety and encourages residents to take additional precautions during the holidays.

Lit wreaths, now on display at the BCFPD’s fire stations in Lake Barrington (22222 N. Pepper Road) and Barrington Hills (120 W. Algonquin Road), begin the season illuminated with red bulbs.  Firefighters will substitute a white bulb for each fire in the 48-square mile District found to have been caused by holiday decorations.

The program runs through New Year’s Day 2022.

“The wreaths provide a helpful visual reminder that the season offers no holiday from dangerous fires and fire-related injuries,” BCFPD Fire Chief Jim Kreher explained.  “Let’s all work together to keep our families safe from fire this holiday season.”

 Residents play a critical role in this effort.  BCFPD firefighters offer the following home safety tips designed to ensure the wreaths stay red all season long:

Christmas Trees

• Select only fresh trees that are deep green in color and have a strong scent of pine.
• Water trees regularly.
• Verify that artificial trees are flame retardant.
• Keep all trees away from fireplaces or heating vents.

Lights

• Buy and use lights approved by a national testing laboratory.
• Discard any lights with frayed or worn cords, broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, bare wires, or ones that operate intermittently.
• Never use indoor lights outdoors.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets.  Use a maximum of three sets of lights per single extension.
• Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
• Unplug lights when you leave home and before going to bed. 

 Candles

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, and curtains.
• Use candleholders that are sturdy, will not tip over easily, are made from materials that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Avoid using candles for light during power outages.  Use flashlights instead.

Cooking

• Remain in the kitchen when frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food.
• Clean up food or grease that may accumulate on burners and stovetops.
• Turn off the stove when leaving the room – even for a brief period.
• Use a timer when simmering, baking, or roasting food.
• Wear clothes with tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.

For additional information on holiday fire safety, follow the BCFPD on Facebook and Instagram.

About “Keep the Wreath Red”

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

About the BCFPD

Established in 1940, the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness; and portions of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties.  BCFPD services are strengthened through a series of automatic aid agreements and partnerships with surrounding fire departments and fire districts.