Jerusalem – Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights for Jews — and a week of headaches for Israel’s firefighters.
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Many Jews light menorahs, but sometimes too close to the drapes. Fire department spokesman Asaf Avres says the menorahs children make in kindergarten often topple over, posing another fire threat.
He says Hanukkah is typified by a jump of 10 to 15 percent in house fires.
Firefighters released safety guidelines for the eight-day holiday, which began Wednesday. They recommend keeping fire extinguishers or buckets of water close at hand.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 164 B.C. According to tradition, a candelabra was lit with only enough oil for one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days.
When the children of the Viznitz Rebbe from Monsey were small, they lighted menorah’s at home while their father was lighting in the Bes Hamedrash. Then they decided to go to the Bes Hamedrash and put the lit menorah’s in the cupboard. The house burned down..
Good point, it’s a pity Hatzolah didn’t release any fire prevention warnings on VIN.
Please. I urge all families with children to be extra cautious and vigilant. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. Remember, everyone thinks that way. Take an extra minute to make certain that the menorah is on a strong steady table away for anything flammable. Be aware that a small chlld can also pull on a tablecloth that can cause the menorah to topple. Let Hashem watch over all of us and everyone should have a wonderful Channukah.
Please be extra careful especially those who leave menorahs burning long. In the morning no one has in mind to watch the kids but the menorah might still be burning. c’v in case of a burn there are gemachs today all over who can handle burns saving lots of aggravation in emergency rooms. May we all have a freilichen chanuka.
Never leave the candles burning alone in a room.
I stay in the room or adjacent rooms until they burn out. There have been some devastating fires in our community. I’m just not willing to take the chance.
When will people learn never to leave the house or go to sleep with candles or oil burning.
People have died cv”sh because of such carelessness.
Remember to extinguish the Lecht before you leave the house for a Chanukah party. The Mitzva is only half an hour, and leaving it longer alone is Pikuach Nefesh Mamesh. I always make sure that no Lecht are burning before we leave the house.