Gurnee fire officials, Woodland Intermediate students kick off annual Keep the Wreath Red campaign

Woodland Intermediate School student leaders and Gurnee firefighters did their part Tuesday to promote holiday home safety by hosting the annual Keep the Wreath Red Ceremony at Gurnee Fire Station 2.

"It is a reminder for people during the holiday season that we have to be extra cautious and safe with our holiday decorations," Gurnee Fire Marshall Tom Keefe explained. "When people drive by the fire house, it is a visual reminder to see that all the bulbs are red and that means that we haven't had any disasters or fires during the holiday season." The purpose for the Keep the Wreath Red program is to encourage residents to practice care with holiday decorations. As part of the program, both of the Gurnee fire stations display a wreath with red lights. For every fire caused by holiday decorations, one light bulb is changed to white in remembrance of the accident.

"I think it's pretty smart to do this so that people know how many fires have happened with Christmas decorations," fifth-grader Shannon Faulhaber said. "If people see that and understand it, they will probably see if they can put up less lights so there is less chance of having a fire."

Twelve fourth and fifth grade student leaders took part in the ceremony to light the holiday wreath. The event also included a tour of the fire station and refreshments.