Israel Fire Service Warns of Sukkot Fire Risks

As the Sukkot holiday approaches, the Israel Fire and Rescue Services are issuing critical safety guidelines to the public, highlighting the potential for temporary dwellings, known as sukkahs, to become fire hazards.

These warnings come in the wake of a serious incident last year on the eve of Sukkot in the settlement of Tel Tzion, located in the Benjamin region. A fire, ignited by the rapid combustion of an electric bicycle battery, quickly spread, trapping dozens of people. Firefighters were able to rescue those caught in the blaze.

The Fire and Rescue Services report responding to dozens of fires annually in sukkahs and open areas during the holiday period. The common building materials used for sukkahs, such as fabric, wood, and dry thatch, are highly flammable, allowing fires to spread rapidly and leaving little time for escape.

A significant risk factor identified in recent years is the charging of lithium batteries for electric bicycles and scooters inside the sukkah. A battery malfunction can lead to swift ignition and intense flames. The service strongly advises against charging these devices or their spare batteries within or near the sukkah's flammable materials.

Improper use of electricity and lighting also poses a danger. Overloading a single power strip, using outdoor-rated cables, or placing hot light fixtures near dry thatch can trigger fires. The guidelines recommend using only approved, intact outdoor cables, keeping lights away from flammable decorations, and avoiding daisy-chaining power strips.

Even the lighting of Shabbat and holiday candles within the sukkah can be hazardous. While the preferred recommendation is to light candles indoors, those who choose to do so in the sukkah must place candles on a wide, stable metal surface, far from fabrics and decorations, and under constant supervision.

Zion Shanker, commander of the Judea and Samaria district for the Fire and Rescue Services, emphasized the severity of past Sukkot fire incidents, stating, "We were once a hair's breadth from a heavy disaster in Sukkot fire events, so before the holiday, it is imperative to adhere to the rules." He also stressed the importance of proper sukkah construction on stable ground using safe, approved materials.

Additionally, the Fire and Rescue Services recommend keeping a functional fire extinguisher or water hose near the sukkah entrance for immediate use. Similar warnings apply to holiday travel and barbecuing, urging people to only use designated areas for fires, extinguish coals thoroughly with water, and ensure ashes are completely cool before leaving. Discarding hot coals in trash bins or near dry vegetation is strictly prohibited. In case of fire or suspected ignition, the public is instructed to immediately dial 102.