Planning to light a bonfire in honor of Lag BaOmer? All the restrictions you need to know

May 16, 2022   

The Commissioner of Fire and Rescue Services for Israel signed an order prohibiting the lighting of bonfires and fires on Lag BaOmer, including in open areas, due to extreme conditions that increase the likelihood of fires starting and spreading, risking human life and property - with the exception of areas that have been prepared by the local authority for the purpose of lighting bonfires. Want live training at no cost? This is how you can become a sought-after bridal instructor The order is effective from today (Monday) morning and will last until Friday at 6:00 PM. This year, with the return to routine after the Corona, the expectation of bonfires and gatherings is greater. In addition, the restriction on the entry of the public to Meron will lead to the holding of major events in the Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh areas. The Jerusalem District Fire Department prepared for the holiday events with reinforced forces, including 37 fire crews, a volunteer unit and fire observers. In addition, the firefighting squadron, which includes 14 aircraft, will be placed on full national alert. The Jerusalem Municipality and the Beit Shemesh Municipality have prepared dozens of sites for lighting bonfires, and the fire and rescue services ask the public not to light bonfires in places not designated for this purpose by the local authority. We warn that lighting bonfires in places that have not been previously marked poses a danger to the spread of fire and that bonfires in places that have not been prepared for this will be confiscated. If you still choose to light a fire, do so as follows: • The fire will be lit in an area designated for this purpose by the municipal authority. • Do not light the fire with flammable liquids such as kerosene or gasoline. Use matches, lighters and papers. • We recommend lighting one fire with all members - more cohesive and less polluting. • Demarcate the boundaries of the fire with stones. • The fire and activities near the fire will be done by an adult only. • Keep children away from the fire. • Do not leave a fire unattended. • When finished - make sure the fire is completely extinguished. • If the fire spreads, immediately call 102 for the firefighters. Petty Officer Eyal Cohen - Jerusalem District Commander: "Due to the many dangers and threats to public safety, the Fire Commissioner signed an order prohibiting the lighting of bonfires except in regulated areas approved by the authorities only. It is possible to celebrate, uphold the tradition, and also show responsibility and caution. The public's cooperation is essential to preventing unnecessary harm to life, property, and the environment. "Last year, during this period, several large-scale fires broke out in the Jerusalem mountains that broke out as a result of the negligence and irresponsibility of citizens and travelers when lighting bonfires. Please help us protect you and the environment.".