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.
