Israel Fire Service Urges Extra Summer Caution to Prevent Blazes

As Israel heads into the hiking season and summer vacation, the Fire and Rescue Authority is warning that the country’s heat makes strict safety rules essential to prevent fires and disasters. The service said that complying with the guidelines can avert major damage, injuries and even loss of life.

It reiterated that lighting fires in open areas is strictly forbidden. If people are using a yard or a designated barbecue area, an adult must supervise the flames at all times, children must not be allowed near the fire, matches and lighters must be kept out of children’s reach, and the fire must be completely extinguished afterward.

Fire and Rescue Authority spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Tal Volvovich said that even a small spark can quickly turn into a major blaze, while careful behavior by hikers and campers can prevent serious harm to nature, property and people. She added, “Do not light fires in open areas, national parks, nature reserves and forests. Look for the marked and official places where it is legal and permitted.”

Volvovich also said firefighters are on heightened alert every summer, but public responsibility remains the key factor in preventing disasters. The authority also reminded the public about candles on Shabbat and barbecues in the yard, stressing that children should never be left near an active flame and that the fire must be checked continuously until fully out. It also renewed its call for smoke detectors in every home, saying they cost only tens of shekels, are easy to install and save lives.