Israel Fire Services Warn of Sukkot Hazards, Urge Safety Measures

Israel Fire and Rescue Services are bracing for significant safety challenges during the upcoming Sukkot holiday, urging the public to take precautions against fires and structural collapses. Tal Volvovitz of the Fire and Rescue Services highlighted that many incidents are preventable human errors, emphasizing the need for vigilance, especially within the religious and ultra-Orthodox communities where dense housing and numerous sukkahs pose unique risks.

Key dangers include unattended Shabbat candles lit in sukkahs, which can easily ignite dry materials like the sukkah's roof covering (sechach) and decorations. Firefighters recommend placing candles on stable surfaces away from flammable materials and wind, and keeping fire extinguishers or water hoses nearby. The services also warn against overloading sukkahs with people, particularly temporary structures on balconies or rooftops, as instability can lead to dangerous collapses. A recent incident in Bnei Brak saw a toddler hospitalized after a heavy wooden plank fell on her during sukkah construction.

Electrical safety is another major concern. The Fire and Rescue Services caution against using non-standard electrical products and recommend LED lighting, which generates less heat, to prevent fires. A significant incident last year involved a fire in Tel Zion where dozens of people, including children, were evacuated from a sukkah ignited by a lithium battery from an electric bicycle stored inside. Storing electric bikes, scooters, or lithium batteries in sukkahs is strongly discouraged due to the highly flammable nature of the sechach and decorations.

Volvovitz noted that the dense populations and numerous sukkahs in cities like Jerusalem and Bnei Brak present particular challenges for emergency responders. The Fire and Rescue Services are increasing emergency center staffing, deploying additional forces, and conducting proactive patrols in crowded areas and open spaces, including the use of drones.

Finally, the importance of smoke detectors is being stressed, particularly for nighttime safety, as smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fire fatalities. Volvovitz advocates for installing smoke detectors in every room and ensuring elderly relatives have them. The Fire and Rescue Services aim to foster a culture of fire safety, acknowledging both the growing population and increased safety awareness efforts.