Firefighters are reminding Londoners to take extra care this evening when celebrating the Jewish festival, Lag B'Omer, following numerous calls to bonfires in the Stamford Hill area last night.
With Lag B' Omer festivities expected to continue this evening, local crews are asking the community to take extra care and celebrate safely.
Borough Commander for Hackney, Narinder Dail said:
“Last night was a busy one for local crews as they attended seven reports of bonfires which we believe were lit as part of the festivities. Thankfully, none of the fires spread to cars, or buildings but we are concerned that there could be a more serious fire this evening.
There are lots of videos on social media which seem to show the fires flashing and exploding which suggests that people may have been using accelerants. Could I urge everyone to take a moment to read our bonfire safety tips and never throw anything like aerosols, batteries or petrol onto a fire. We want the community to celebrate in safety.“
In particular, London Fire Brigade received a number of calls to reports of a fire on Ravensdale Road. Two fire engines and ten firefighters and officers attended one of the bonfires in the street at 2120, crews made sure the bonfire was not out of control and the incident was over by 2136. Fire crews from Stoke Newington fire station were at the scene.
The Brigade’s bonfire safety tips
The fires are not under investigation by London Fire Brigade.