In preparation for the Lag BaOmer celebrations: The Fire and Rescue Commission is warning of the weather conditions and prohibiting the lighting of bonfires this evening (Wednesday) that do not meet the conditions set throughout the country.
The commission notes that the strong winds and high temperatures could cause fires to spread rapidly and put human lives at risk.
The fire and rescue services ask that you exercise caution when lighting holiday bonfires and adhere to safety rules.
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After assessing the situation, during which he was presented with the data on the unusual weather, wind directions, and the deployment of forces - Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Rabbi Tafsar Dedi Simhi, signed, by virtue of his authority under Regulation 8 of the National Fire and Rescue Authority regulations, restrictions on holding bonfires for Lag BaOmer - and said: "I call on parents and children to adhere to the safety guidelines, which include lighting small bonfires, and maintaining a distance from forest and woodland areas and flammable materials that may endanger property and life.".
The Commissioner signed an order imposing a series of restrictions, including, among other things, limiting the dimensions of the bonfire to a height of one and a half meters and a diameter of up to three meters. It should be emphasized that lighting a bonfire in the forest and woodland is prohibited, even in designated areas.
In addition, restrictions were imposed to increase the distances between the fires and risk factors such as forests, residential buildings, gas and fuel facilities, and power lines.
Following the commission's call, municipalities across the country - including Haifa, Nesher, Hadera and Tel Aviv - called for refraining from lighting bonfires on Lag BaOmer. The mayor of Be'er Sheva, Rubik Danilovich, also announced: "We are prohibiting lighting fires throughout the city due to the unusual weather.".
Rishon LeZion Rabbi Yosef urges in a call he issued this morning to be careful and vigilant when lighting bonfires for Lag BaOmer, due to weather conditions that could cause a loss of control over the fire.
In his letter, the Chief Rabbi appeals to increase Torah study and free love, but especially to be careful when lighting bonfires: "This year, Lag BaOmer, 5778, forecasters and safety officials warn of severe weather that could pose a risk to life when lighting bonfires.".
Rabbi Yosef clarifies: "According to Halacha, despite the importance of the day, it is obligatory to obey the safety instructions of the professional authorities and to light the bonfires in each city only according to their instructions. And whoever listens to us will dwell in safety.".
The chief rabbi's letter was published in light of an appeal by the Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Rabbi Tafsar Dedi Simchi, to the Chief Rabbi, warning of a real danger in lighting bonfires on Lag B'Omer due to the expected severe weather.
The Forum of Local Parents' Committees called on parents to consider reducing or even eliminating bonfires. "In the current weather conditions, we fear disaster," wrote the forum's chairman, Paz Cohen.
The Teachers' Union sent a message to teaching staff, clarifying that they are absolutely prohibited from participating in the organization and lighting of Lag BaOmer bonfires - "in light of the heavy responsibility placed on the shoulders of teaching staff.".
