The Lakewood Fire Department responded to two fires in Lakewood Monday evening – both which were reportedly caused by a Menorah, TLS reports. The first fire reportedly left a table in flames, and the second fire reportedly set curtains and a wall on fire. Both fires were contained before they could spread throughout the home.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
The following safety message from YWN, was published on the first day of Chanukah:
When lighting the Menorah:
• Never leave Chanukah candles unattended and never go to sleep while Chanukah candles are burning
• Place the menorah on a sturdy heat resistant surface away from anything that can catch fire including walls, curtains, cabinets, wooden and plastic tables, tablecloths, etc
• Light candles out of children’s reach and where they cannot be knocked over!
• Keep surfaces and surrounding areas clear from burned matches, wick trimmings, oil residue, and other debris
• Never light “school project” menorahs made from flammable materials (wood, plastic, paper, etc.)
When cooking Latkes:
• Keep small children away from hot oil and cooking areas
• Keep pot handles turned inward and away from the edge of the stove
• Use extra caution when carrying hot food around children
• Designate ovens, stoves and heat containing appliances as NO GO ZONES for children
• Keep hands, hair and sleeves away from open flame
• Never put water on a grease fire, use a fire extinguisher and call the Fire Dept. emergency number
• Treat burns immediately by cooling with cool water (not cold) and call your local emergency response number
Always remember:
• Supervise children at all times, especially around lit candles, flames, and hot appliances
• Have working smoke detectors
• Have/ and practice a family fire emergency escape plan with a designated family meeting area outside of house
• Proper fire safety planning and prevention can help keep you and your family safe
(Brought to you by Maccabee Aish, Inc. / Jewishfireprevention.org)
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7 Responses
I’m happy B”H no injuries & not too much damage. However….here in Israel, if the FD is called out the houseowner pays the bill – at least in my city. Some preventive common sense & knowing there is a massive bill on top of whatever repairs there might be will be an added incentive to THINK before you light & leave!
Common sense is all that’s needed. But hey they leave their babies in cars also.
B’h no one was seriously hurt but you have to wonder what people use for brains in some of the heimeshe communitities. yesterday we read about a much more serious fire in Monsey. If you cannot light the candles in a 100 percent location or cannot monitor the candles after you light them, then just skip it. Protecting life and property trumps the mitzvah of Chanukah lecht but it shouldn’t come down to that choice since there are always ways of lighting safely.
It would also be a good idea to leave out some fire extinguishers.
I leave a fire extinguisher on a table 15 feet from the menorahs. You want it very accessible but not too close (if its too close, the heat of the fire will prevent you from reaching it)
There was a big fire in Flatbush last night as well, nebach….
Gadolhatorah
I don’t think you should be giving a psak if people should light the menorah.there is a risk in driving a car but we drive because most times nothing happens.bottom line if you have a chsash ask your Rav for guidance.
The above comments reminded me not to read comments.