Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) has concluded its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday fire prevention campaign, which ran throughout the holiday season and ended January 1.
The campaign served as a visual reminder of the importance of fire safety during one of the busiest and most fire-prone times of the year. Wreaths displayed across Cherokee County at fire stations, businesses, and schools, began with all green bulbs. For every structure fire that occurred in the county, one green bulb was replaced with a red bulb.
During the campaign period, CCFES responded to 18 structure fires throughout Cherokee County. Each red bulb represented a reminder of how quickly a fire can occur and the importance of prevention efforts in keeping families safe.
“The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it also brings increased fire risks due to cooking, heating sources, candles, holiday decorations, and fireplaces,” said Michael Sims, Battalion Chief with CCFES. Sims went on to say “The Keep the Wreath Green campaign helps bring awareness to those risks and encourages residents to take simple steps that can save lives and property.”
CCFES encouraged residents to follow key holiday fire safety practices, including:
Watering natural Christmas trees often or using artificial trees
Discarding trees promptly after the holidays
Inspecting holiday lights for damage
Never leaving candles unattended
Keeping space heaters at least three feet from combustible items
Using fireplace screens and having chimneys inspected annually
Maintaining working smoke alarms
Practicing and sharing family fire escape plans
CCFES thanks the community for its support in spreading fire safety awareness and encourages residents to continue practicing fire prevention year-round.
For more information on fire prevention and holiday safety, visit
www.cherokeecountyfire.com or www.safekidscherokeecounty.org.