Beware Of Those Lag Ba'omer Bonfires

The Fire Departments and hospital emergency rooms are on alert for Lag Ba'omer, the holiday that is marked by bonfires around the world and an event to be attended by hundreds of thousands at Rabbe Shiman Bar-Yochoi's burial site on Mount Meron, in Israel.

Emergency medical services are urging parents and teachers to take special care to prevent injuries. Accidental burns are twice as common during the week leading up to Lag Ba'omer as any other time during the year.

Only recently, a number of older teenagers in Israel pushed a younger boy into a bonfire as a "joke." His clothes were set afire and he suffered second-degree burns on his leg, causing him serious pain. Rushed to the hospital, the victim was found to suffer from an infection, requiring intravenous antibiotics and plastic surgery with skin transplants later.

Parents have to ensure that bonfires are not close to trees, electricity or phone lines and other flammable objects. Stones should be set around the bonfire to prevent the fire from spreading. A responsible older teenager or adult should be appointed to take charge of the bonfire and ensure safety. Do not throw any flammable material such as gas canisters or gasoline into the fire. Wear high-top shoes and long trousers to prevent bites from scorpions and snakes that are attracted by the heat of the fire. Ensure that the fire is fully extinguished with water after the bonfire is ended. Keep two pails of water ready in advance.

If someone is set afire, cover his body (but not his face) with a wet blanket or towel or roll him in earth or sand on the ground. Call emergency respons immediately. Do not remove burnt skin or apply creams. If a spark enters the eye, wash it thoroughly with a lot of cold water.