Southern District Fire Department Superintendent Shmulik Friedman warns that if the safety deficiencies at the Baba Sali complex in Netivot are not corrected, it will not be possible to approve the event, in accordance with the business licensing order. This was reported this evening (Wednesday) by Shlomi Diaz in Israel Hayom.
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The district commander wrote: "The safety plan and safety file that were submitted were examined by the Southern District Fire Protection Chief, and numerous gaps were found in the fire safety arrangements required at the site, as well as in the access routes for emergency vehicles required when an incident occurs.".
In a letter he sent today to the mayor of Netivot and the Southern District Attorney, Tapsar Friedman claims that at the beginning of the month he was informed that a 'Baba Sali' celebration was planned to take place in Netivot, and according to estimates, about 100-150 thousand people are expected to participate.
""Although no activity was presented by the event organizers until the beginning of the week, I ordered a tour and inspection on our behalf of the celebration area and the Rabbi's tomb, and on December 16, the tour was conducted by the Fire Department Chief and the Fire Department Chief of the Netivot Station, during which many gaps were found in the fire safety arrangements required at the location.".
He added: "In light of this, a letter of reference from the District Fire Department's Chief of Defense was even sent to all relevant officials, warning of the gaps and the extent of the preparations required to hold the celebration.".
Friedman noted in the letter that a licensing application was received for the first time on Monday, after numerous inquiries from the fire department to various agencies. A safety plan was also submitted for approval by the safety consultant on behalf of the event producer.
""To my great regret, all the necessary preparation activities have not yet begun, including preparing escape routes, emergency vehicle access routes, placing fire stations and equipment in the complex, arranging fire hydrants in the complex, removing hazards, and more. In addition, an updated safety plan and file have not yet been submitted in accordance with the comments provided," Friedman wrote.
During the tour, it became clear that, despite the event producer's words, it would not be possible, given the schedules, to complete all the necessary preparations prior to the event.
Earlier today, the police issued an order prohibiting the celebration of the late Baba Sali in Netivot next week.
The commander of the Negev region, Lieutenant Colonel Nachshon Nagler, ordered that this year the traditional celebration with the participation of the general public will not take place and entry to the grave site and the complex will not be allowed. “This order was given after the commander of the Negev region claimed that there is no reasonable feasibility of complying with the provisions of the Safety Law,” the police statement said.
The police later announced: "Following inquiries, we would like to clarify that issuing the order is intended to protect the safety and security of the public in a situation where it is not possible to ensure the required safety conditions in Zion and Mbewa.".
