REGION — The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services wants to wish residents a happy Hanukkah and remind those who celebrate to do so safely.
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights that commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the temple. This year, it’s celebrated from Sunday, Dec. 18, to Monday, Dec. 26.
“#HappyHanukkah!” the Department of Fire Services posted on their Facebook page. “If you and your loved ones are lighting a #Menorah this evening, please remember to keep it on a sturdy, stable surface at least a foot from anything that can burn. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.”
According to a press release by the Department of Fire Services, candle fires are most common in the winter holiday season.
“There have been more than 1,000 candle fires in Massachusetts over the past 10 years,” State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said. “Together, they caused nine deaths, 192 injuries, and over $32 million in damages. More of these fires started in December than in any other month, and especially on the days leading up to Christmas. If candles are part of your celebration or decoration, be sure to use them carefully.”
Candles are part of many holiday traditions this time of year, including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Ostroskey offered these safety tips to reduce the risk of fire: install smoke alarms on every level of your home, use non-combustible saucers and candle holders, keep a one-foot “circle of safety” around burning candles, never leave burning candles unattended, keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles.
Last year, there were 93 candle fires in Massachusetts, 75 of which happened in homes. One fire in Boston started when a candle ignited the bedroom curtains and spread, resulting in losses of half a million dollars and the eviction of five residents.
“Candle fires peaked in Massachusetts in 1999, when we recorded 342 of them,” Ostroskey said. “The following year, we began observing Candle Safety Day on the second Monday of December to promote awareness of the problem. Since that time, we’ve observed a 73% decrease in candle fires. Let’s continue to practice safe candle use, especially around the holidays.”
Hanukkah will be celebrated in Lynnfield on Market Street on Dec. 20 at 4:30 p.m.; in Danvers at Library Pavilion on Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m.; in Peabody at the North Shore Mall on Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m.; in Lynn at Chabad Lynn campus on Dec. 21 at 2:30 p.m.; in Revere at the city hall on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m.; and in Salem at Lappin Park on Dec. 21 at noon and Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
