Be Safe With Your Chanukah Menorah Candles

During the Holiday Season, many people use candles to celebrate religious traditions or create an ambiance within their home. The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to remind everyone to be particularily mindful of some basic safety precautions when using candles anytime of the year.

One of these traditions is Chanukah. CHANUKAH is an 8-day Jewish holiday which begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Chanukah begins by lighting candles on a Menorah on Tuesday evening December 4, 2007, followed by the lighting of another candle each day with the final candle being lit on Tuesday evening, December 11, 2007.

According to Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten, an LAFD Chaplain,

"The Chanukah holiday marks the miraculous victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees against Greek persecution and religious oppression. In addition to being victorious in war, another miracle occurred.

When the Maccabees came to rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem (165 B.C.E.) they found only 1 flask of oil with which to light the Menorah (7-branched candelabrum). This small flask lasted for 8 days."

Rabbi Ten continues; "In order to commemorate this miracle, we light a Menorah for the 8 days of Chanukah." In Hebrew, the word "Chanukah" means "dedication."

The Los Angeles Fire Department wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Candles can be hazardous when basic safety precautions are not followed. Please use the following guidelines along with good judgement to ensure that your season remains joyous.

· In the event of a fire dial 9-1-1.

· Place the Menorah in a safe, secure, and looked after area.

· Avoid placing the Menorah on unsteady tables or surfaces.

· Make sure candle wax or oil used in the Menorah is in stable holders.

· Avoid placing a burning Menorah near curtains, shades, tablecloths, plants, books, or under counters.

· Adult supervision should always be present when children light the Menorah.

· Make sure infants and toddlers are unable to reach or access the Menorah.

· Avoid leaving your home while the Menorah is burning.


Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department