Fire service urges residents to think about how they celebrate Lag B’Omer this year

Local residents are being asked to think carefully this year about how they celebrate Lag B’Omer, a Jewish holiday that includes lighting bonfires.  

Firefighters from across Greater Manchester are urging members of the community to take extra care if looking to celebrate the Lag B’Omer holiday at home this year. It comes after Jewish leaders urged the wider community to not host any Lag B’Omer gatherings with friends and family outside of their household.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is also urging residents to avoid lighting bonfires this year in the current climate with the Coronavirus pandemic.

Group Manager for Salford and Trafford Paul Duggan said: “This is another religious festival which is being spent differently this year, which I know isn’t always easy for people.

“Our residents want to be with their loved ones to celebrate, but I would urge households to avoid hosting or attending any gatherings and help protect the wider community.

“If you are continuing to celebrate the Lag B’Omer holiday this year please do so safely by reading over some important safety advice. Most importantly the Service wishes everyone celebrating a safe and happy Lag B’Omer.”

Fire safety advice includes:

• Bonfires should be 18 metres from buildings, trees, fences, overhead cables and car parking areas
• Only burn clean, dry timber. No aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, tins of paint and tyres
• Bonfires should be no more than 3 metres in height. Household residents spectating should be at least 5 metres away. If anyone in your household has respiratory problems please ensure they are stood even further from the bonfire
• Never use petrol, paraffin, diesel and white or methylated spirit to light the bonfire. Instead use firelighters
• Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of emergency and to damp down after the event

Members of the public are being encouraged to carry out any religious celebrations safely, at your home with your household.

11/05/2020 15:20 PM