A Cape Coral firefighter carries a cat rescued from a weekend fire. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCFD

Four red bulbs, each representing a fire in Cape Coral, were added to the Cape Coral Fire Department’s “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday wreath this weekend.

Each bulb represents a kitchen fire, CCFD officials said.

“Two of the fires were caused by the resident leaving the home while a pot was cooking on the stove, and one fire was caused by baking cookies in the oven,” a release from the CCFD states. “Fortunately there was minimal to no damage or extension and no injuries with these three fires.

“The fourth fire over the weekend was from a pot of oil left on a burner the resident thought had been turned off. There was minimal damage to the kitchen, the resident was treated for smoke inhalation and was released on the scene, and one cat was saved.”

“It was fortunate that these fires were extinguished quickly and damage and injuries were minimal,” said CCFD spokesperson Andrea Schuch. “We encourage everyone to practice fire safety year round and take extra precautions during the holidays to ensure they remain happy and healthy.”

A Cape firefighter adds red bulbs to the department’s wreath as part of its “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday safety campaign. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCFD

During the Cape Coral Fire Department’s annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign, for each “preventable fire” such as cooking, smoking, holiday decorations, candles, etc. that occurs between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1, one of the green bulbs on the wreath hanging at Fire Station 4 at 2007 Santa Barbara Blvd. will change to red.

“Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries nationwide,” the release states. “With increased cooking activities during the busy holiday season, home fires are more likely to occur so it is important to stay vigilant and follow these cooking rules:”

• When frying, grilling, or broiling, stay in the kitchen. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time.

• When simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, stay in the home and check on it frequently; use a timer as a reminder if necessary.

• Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.