Lag B'Omer Bonfires Banned Nationwide Due to Fire Risk, Commissioner Says

Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi signed an order this morning (Thursday) prohibiting the lighting of bonfires and the lighting of fires throughout the country, due to the expected scorching weather in Israel. The order will begin on May 9 and remain in effect until May 18 at midnight – this includes the days of Lag B'Omer.

The order states that the prohibition on lighting bonfires was determined "due to extreme conditions that increase the likelihood of the development and spread of fires. It is important to note: The weather in the coming days is expected to be scorching and include conditions that increase the likelihood of fires, especially in open areas, forests and woodlands. We call on the general public to act responsibly and obey the instructions."

However, it was emphasized that "it will be possible to light bonfires in areas that have been approved for the purpose of lighting bonfires and lighting fires in open areas by the local authority, the Nature and Parks Authority or the Jewish National Fund, and which have received approval from the Israel Fire and Rescue Department."

These are the guidelines for the public:

1) It is forbidden to light fires in open areas, including technical works that create combustion or open fire in an open area and the burning of plants and pruning (provided that the work is carried out at a distance of more than 20 meters from a forest, woodland, or flammable vegetation)

2) Lighting a fire inside a designated food preparation facility, such as a barbecue, is not prohibited.

3) Avoid throwing flammable waste in open areas – with an emphasis on coals, cigarettes and other flammable materials.