Ask Mr. Geneva

Why Is There a Red-Lighted Wreath at the Geneva Fire Station?

Each year, the Geneva Fire Department asks residents to "Keep the Wreath Red."

For reasons we can't explain, Geneva Patch once again proudly presents ''Ask Mister Geneva Person,'' the No. 1 Geneva-related Q&A column in Geneva, as far as we know. Our first question comes from the writer of this column, because no readers have actually asked a question yet. Q: Why is there a red-lighted wreath in front of the Geneva Fire Department station on East Side Drive this time of year? MGP: We're glad you asked. It's part of the "Keep the Wreath Red" public awareness program designed to remind people to be careful with holiday decorations. Q: Why is it a wreath instead of, say, a Menorah or Kwanzaa candles? MGP: We have no idea, but we're guessing it might not have been politically correct to start a fire-safety campaign that …

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Beth Bales: Be Alert, Geneva, and Keep the Wreath Red

Holiday decorations can cause fires; the 'wreath' campaign reminds everyone to use care, when decking the halls for the holidays.

Maybe it’s an electrical short in a cord powering Christmas decorations. Maybe it’s a too-dry tree. Maybe it’s a festive candle that burns just a little too brightly. Whatever the cause, Christmas and holiday decorations can and do cause fires.  And it’s that reality that fuels the annual “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign at many fire departments across the country, including our own Geneva Fire Department (Disclosure: Fire Chief Steve Olson is my husband.) People traveling on East Side Drive past the headquarters fire station have probably noticed the big snowman, exhorting passersby to “Keep the Wreath Red.” The department long has participated in the public awareness campaign, now more than 30 years old, that’s meant to draw attention to …

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