For the 32nd year, the Dixon Fire Department and Dixon Rural Fire Department are spreading fire safety awareness with their annual “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign.

From now until Friday, Jan. 2, both fire stations are displaying a Christmas wreath decorated with red lights and a single red light bulb in the center of the wreath. If either department responds to a holiday decoration-related fire during this time, both will change the red bulb to white.

The intent of the red-lighted Christmas wreath is to bring awareness of the devastating effects of holiday-related fires and the importance of practicing fire safety, according to a news release.

Originally started by Paul Boecker of the Naperville Fire Department in 1954, the “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign was adopted by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association in 1980.

Now in their 32nd year of participating in this awareness campaign, the Dixon and Dixon Rural fire departments said they have only changed the bulb a few times. The departments said they hope to maintain that trend for years to come.

The departments thanked Lori Sheridan of Nichols Greenhouse for supplying the campaign wreaths.

For any fire safety-related questions, call Dixon Fire Chief Ryan Buskohl at 815-288-3323 or Dixon Rural Fire Chief Dustin Dalhstrom at 815-284-6897.

Holiday fire safety tips

• Selecting a tree for the holiday: Needles on fresh trees should be green, hard to pull back from the branches, and should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long ago, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
• Caring for your tree: Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flames or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Disposing of your tree: Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pickup service.
• Maintain your holiday lights: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do not overload electrical outlets: Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.
• Use only nonflammable decorations: All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace: Wrapping paper can throw off dangerous sparks and produce chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
• Artificial Christmas trees: If you’re using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
• Avoid using lighted candles: If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Never put lighted candles on a tree: Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame, candles, lighters or matches.