Firefighters in the UK are urging members of the Jewish community to take care with menorah candles to ensure thy have a safe and happy Chanukah.

It comes after Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) attended two fires this weekend caused by unattended menorah candles, which caused severe damage to the homes involved.

Watch Manager Simon Ryder, from Broughton Fire Station, said: “We’ve attended two house fires in close succession where severe damage has been caused by fire and smoke. The residents have left the menorah candles burning and left their homes only to return to serious damage.

“In both cases what has been used is a candle substitute that looks a bit like a plastic shot glass filled with olive oil which is then placed on the candle holder. However, it appears as if these could be being placed on a slight angle so the flame is catching the plastic at the side and causing the burning fuel to drip down the side.”

Crews were called to Bishops Road, Prestwich, at 8pm on Friday (December 15) after a fire started in the dining room. When they arrived it appeared the fire was out but on closer inspection the oil from the candle had dripped down the wall and got under the floorboards where it had continued to burn.

Then at 6.42pm on Saturday (December 16) firefighters were called to a similar incident on Park Road, Salford, where the candle had set fire to paper or cardboard and spread, again causing severe fire damage to the dining room and smoke damage throughout.

Watch Manager Ryder continued: “Unfortunately on both occasions the inner doors were not closed so the rest of the house suffered smoke damage and in the Bishops Road incident there was a thick layer of black soot covering everything inside.

“I would urge people to take great care with candles, ensure they are placed in a sturdy holder away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. When leaving the house or going to bed close internal doors and make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your property.”

Firefighters have carried out Safe and Well visits on both properties and fitted new smoke alarms.

Ben Levy, Group Manager for Salford and Trafford, said: “Crews will be visiting properties within the surrounding area to give safety advice and offer Safe and Well visits to ensure we don’t see any further incidents like this and we will also be linking in with partner agencies and with our local Jewish community.

“Luckily nobody was injured but the families involved now have to face the devastation of not being able to return to their homes during what should be a special time of celebration with loved ones. We want to wish everyone a happy and safe Chanukah.”

If using a menorah you should place it on a sturdy, non-flammable surface such as marble, glass or metal. Do not place the candle holder near curtains or flammable materials, avoid areas where it could be easily knocked over and never leave a lit menorah unattended.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)