Israel Fire and Rescue Issues Sukkot Safety Guidelines Amid Fire Risk

As the Sukkot holiday approaches, the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority is reminding the public to adhere to fire safety regulations, particularly due to weather conditions that increase the likelihood of fires. To ensure a safe holiday, citizens are advised to follow key rules when setting up their sukkah. These include ensuring electrical wires are well-insulated and protected from weather, never leaving burning candles unattended in the sukkah, and keeping direct contact between the sukkah's roofing material (sekhakh) and lighting fixtures to a minimum. It is also recommended to keep fire extinguishing equipment, such as a fire extinguisher or readily available water hose, near the sukkah.

Furthermore, the Fire and Rescue Authority is reminding the public about a directive signed by Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi, which prohibits open fires in open areas until midnight on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. This ban applies to all of Israel, with exceptions south of Roads 25 and 34. Technical work involving combustion is permitted only under specific conditions outlined in the directive. Lighting fires in designated areas for food preparation or heating, such as a barbecue grill, is also allowed. The Fire and Rescue Authority wishes everyone a happy and safe Sukkot holiday.