The sukkah could go up in flames in moments: How to celebrate safely

The Fire and Rescue Service warns of fire hazards in sukkahs: charging electric bikes and scooters inside the sukkah, improvised electrical wiring, and lighting candles near flammable materials. Last year, dozens were rescued from a fire in Tel Zion. The district commander warns: 'We were a step away from a major disaster'.

Ahead of the Sukkot holiday, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service has issued a public warning about fire hazards in sukkahs. The sukkah, made of flammable materials such as fabric, wood, and dry foliage, can ignite in mere moments. The main causes of fires are charging lithium batteries for electric bikes and scooters inside the sukkah, improvised electrical and lighting setups, and lighting Sabbath and holiday candles near flammable materials. Last year, a fire broke out in the community of Tel Zion in the Binyamin region due to an electric bike catching fire in a sukkah, and firefighters rescued dozens of trapped people. The commander of the Judea and Samaria district, Chief Fire Officer Zion Shankor, said, 'We were a step away from a major disaster' and emphasized the importance of using standard and safe materials and setting up the sukkah on stable ground. Additionally, hikers are warned against lighting barbecues and leaving smoldering coals unextinguished.