Fire service issues safety message ahead of Hanukkah

Fire chiefs are encouraging members of the Jewish community marking Hanukkah across Greater Manchester this year to celebrate safely. 

The festival - also known as the Festival of Lights - begins on Thursday (10 December) and ends on the evening of Friday 18 December. 

The call from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service comes as a reminder after a number of house fires involving candles used during Hanukkah celebrations in recent years, including two particularly serious incidents in 2017.

Only last week there was a house fire in Stalybridge that was started by a candle, setting fire to Christmas decorations at the property on Mottram Road. 

Although nobody was hurt in that incident or in the 2017 fires, the blazes caused substantial damage to the properties. 

Area Manager Ben Levy said: “Hanukkah is a very special occasion for the Jewish community, and everyone at the fire service wants to help families celebrate safely.

“Unfortunately, our firefighters attend a number of house fires started by unattended candles each year and I would urge everyone to take the time to familiarise themselves with our simple fire safety advice before getting the celebrations underway.

“If you do come across a fire then don’t panic, take risks or try to tackle the fire yourself. Remember ‘pikuach nefesh’ - get out, stay out and call 999.”

The fire service have issued a few simple steps that people can take when celebrating Hanukkah this year: 

• Ensure candles and oils are placed firmly in the menorah on a flat, heat resistant surface
• Keep the menorah away from flammable material including curtains and furniture
• Ensure there is at least three feet between the menorah and any surface above it
• Never move the menorah when lit and don’t leave it unattended
• Keep the menorah out of reach of children
• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home
• Only use suitable glass or metal containers to burn candles or oil in
• To help stop the spread of coronavirus, only celebrate with your household or bubble