Playing around bonfires, which is common during the Lag B'Omer holiday, can be done safely by following a few simple rules.
First, KKL-JNF recommends that only a responsible adult person, who is at least sixteen year old, will light the fire. It is also recommended to have an adult person present during the entire time the fire is burning, until it is extinguished.
Bonfires should also be lit only in an open area with no trees or other plants around. If it is lit in an urban area, it should be done far from structures, flammable facilities, high-voltage cables and trees. Starting fires in groves and trees is strictly forbidden.
The third rule is to keep the bonfires small, which contributes to the enjoyment and safety of everyone celebrating.
Before lighting the bonfire, the area should be cleansed from flammable materials (tendrils, thorns and grass). A hole to place the firewood should be dug, and the bonfire should be surrounded by stones as means of extra protection.
People celebrating around the bonfire should wear appropriate clothes: shoes, shirt and pants to protect the body from sparks and stings (insects and reptiles are drawn to the fire).
Under no circumstances should inflammable materials be thrown at the fire –including spray cans and firecrackers. To keep the bonfire safe to the environment, avoid throwing plastic objects, batteries, sprays, polystyrene, nylons and wood substitutes as melamine into the fire – burning such materials releases poisonous elements into the air.
At the end of the holiday celebration, make sure the fire is off completely. For this purpose keep water, sand and other means of extinguishing the fire close by. After extinguishing the fire, make sure no traces of burning materials are left.
If the fire spreads out of the bonfire circle, call the fire department immediately (dial 102), keep other people away and try to contain the fire. This can be done by hitting the fire with green branches, bats and blankets, and by pouring water and dirt on the fire. This should be done carefully, to avoid risking lives.
If a person caught fire, that person should avoid running – the best thing to do is roll on the sand several times, or use a blanket or a towel to put off the fire. Burns on the body should be cooled using tap water, and be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
Rami Zaritsky, KKL-JNF's Head of Forest Fire Safety: "KKL-JNF welcomes those who celebrate Lag B'Omer to its recreation areas. Lighting a bonfire is allowed in marked spots only. Bonfires should be extinguished completely before leaving using water and dirt. If the fire has spread and cannot be extinguished, call the fire department at 102, and give an accurate description of the event and the location. Do not leave the area until help arrives, and avoid getting close to the fire. Happy Lag B'Omer to all those who celebrate!"
Photograph: KKL-JNF staff