The Howell Township this evening announced its first-ever official Chometz burning site, in order to keep the community safe by having a single central burning location, instead of risking any potential danger by residents making their own fires.
Township and fire officials in Howell worked with local townships – including Lakewood DPW, and Jackson, as well as with Askonim to ensure the process would work out smoothly and safely.
The Township released the following statement:
As you may be aware, the holiday of Passover begins this weekend, and will be celebrated by several hundred Howell residents.
According to tradition, the day prior to the holiday, which is this Friday, each household will be burning several pieces of leavened bread (“Chometz”).
In the past, many residents have burned these items in their backyards, which lead to multiple complaints, and potential dangers – such as embers flying into neighboring properties, and smoke conditions.
This year, in order to keep all homes and properties safe, and to avoid unnecessary dispatching and strains on emergency services, the Township, in conjunction with the Fire Bureau, has arranged for one central location for all to bring their bread and burn it in a designated dumpster (provided by the event participants).
This method of burning is done in all surrounding townships, and is determined by fire officials to be the safest way to dispose of the bread, without endangering lives or properties.
The designated location will be in an open park with ample parking to avoid traffic issues, and will be staffed with fire and DPW personnel to ensure for a smooth and efficient event. The location will be Soldier Memorial Park on Lakewood-Farmingdale Road on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 8:30am to 12:30pm.
In addition to the protocols and supervision on the part of government agencies, it is imperative that individuals and families utilizing these sites follow proper safety guidelines, in order to avoid potential injuries or other dangers.
Some pertinent guidelines are as follows:
1) Maintain a proper distance from the fire, per the directives of officials onsite.
2) Children must be under constant adult supervision.
3) The fire is for the burning of appropriate food items only. No cans, bottles, plastic, Lulav cases, garbage, or similar items can be thrown into the fire. Burning these items present a true danger to everyone nearby.