Neal Wozniak and the Rural Fire Control wreath today. |
Firefighters hoping to keep the wreaths green Nov. 24, 2009 As Christmas decorations begin to sprout up across the area, fire departments across Langlade County have erected wreaths with hopes they will provide a visual reminder to keep the holidays safe.
Known as the Keep it Green crusade, the wreaths are covered with green bulbs and for each fire during the holiday season, starting today and running through Jan. 5, red lights are substituted. One white light symbolizes those lives lost in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“We hope this year will be greener than last,” Rural Fire Control Chief Neal Wozniak who also serves as president of the Langlade County Fire Chief’s Association said. “We’re looking to have a very safe season.”
The campaign is county-wide and additionally includes the village of Mattoon. Each participating department will keep track of fires across the entire jurisdiction.
Wozniak explained that the Keep it Green crusade works in two ways, serving as both a public awarness campaign to fires in the community and as a precautionary alert to individuals wanting to keep their holidays safe.
“A lot of people watch the wreaths and notice when a red bulb is added,” Wozniak said.
Among the tips to remember, keep real Christmas trees properly watered and ensure that electrical cords and strands of bulbs are not frayed or broken and are in good, working order.
Candles are of another concern and care must be taken to not place them near combustible materials.
Authorities also advise that wrapping paper and trimmings also pose a danger as they should not be burned in a fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
“We want everyone to remain safe this holiday season,” Wozniak said.
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