As cold weather makes underbrush drier and heater use more prevalent, Gainesville is reminding residents that this time of year may mean an increase in the number of household fires.
Gainesville Fire Rescue began its annual "Keep the Wreath Green" campaign Monday.
An illuminated wreath was hung in front of Station 1 on South Main Street, fire rescue spokeswoman Carol Davis said.
The wreath is covered in green lights, and each bulb will be replaced with a red one for each house fire in Gainesville through Jan. 1.
The goal, which is to end the season with all green lights, has not been accomplished in the 10 years of the program's existence, Davis said.
She said the most successful effort was last year, when the wreath had only one red bulb.
Both natural and man-made causes can increase the number of fires during the holiday season, Davis said.
She said the cold weather is an obstacle because freezing causes dry underbrush.
Alachua County, which was under a burn ban until noon on Monday, has only dealt with minor brush fires lately, she said. Man-made fires also increase, as people are more prone to cook and use their heaters.
Fire rescue officials hope to prepare the public for the holiday season by educating them on what they can do to prevent fires, Davis said.
People can lessen their chances of starting a fire by keeping their Christmas trees watered and checking for damaged Christmas lights, she said.
She said checking the smoke detector is the most important thing people can do to prevent fires.
