With the Pesach Holiday season upon us the Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners in conjunction with Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, Fire Department Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rotberg, members of the Lakewood Fire Department and the Office of the Ocean County Fire Marshall are reminding the community to only use the following sites that have been pre-designated and authorized by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.

These sites, including a new location at the Ohr Avrohom Chaim school, will be open on Monday, April 22nd, from 7AM to 12PM:

1. Parking Lot of Jersey Shore BlueClaws Stadium;
2. Patrick Park – 1000 Vine Street;
3. D’zio Park – New Hampshire Avenue & Locust Street;
4. 175 Sunset Road – Khal Zichron Yaakov;
5. 173 Miller Road;
   
6. Private Way and 7th Street – BMG;
7. Clifton Avenue and 10th Street – BMG;
8. Frank Bartolf Park – Brook Road;
9. Pine Park.

In addition the Fire Department is asking the community to be mindful of the following hazards to ensure a safe Chametz Burning experience:

• When attending these Chometz Burn Sites the Fire Department asks that only Chametz which must be burned as required be placed in the burn sites. We have seen people throw all types of garbage into the fires in previous years. This contributes to larger than necessary fires that increase the risk of injury.
• DO NOT throw any flammable or combustible items into the fire or any bottles, both glass and plastic, as these may explode and lead to glass and metal shards being expelled into the crowd. 
• DO NOT throw any cans (i.e., baked beans, soups, etc.) into the fire as these may explode and lead to hot liquid being expelled into the crowd.
• DO NOT wrap your bread in silver foil as it will not burn. 
• Maintain a safe distance of at least 15 feet to avoid the risk of injury or exposure to flames. A sudden wind direction change can result in the fire changing direction. 
• Children should always remain supervised to prevent accidents or burns. 
• Follow the instructions from the firefighters and police officers, move away from the fire once items have been thrown in to keep the area close to the fire from overcrowding. 
• The Fire Department would like to remind everyone that unauthorized burns are illegal. However, if you must burn the Chometz on your own, only use a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other noncombustible material.
• Fireplaces (i.e., fire pits, chimeneas, charcoal barbecue grill, etc.) shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be placed within 15 feet of a structure (i.e.: house, shed, deck, etc.) or combustible material. Do not leave barbecue grills unattended and keep children as well as pets away. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing when igniting and using a fireplace. Make sure fireplaces are extinguished before leaving.
• In case of a burn injury, cool the burn with cool running water for 3-5 minutes and seek medical attention.
• In case of Emergency Dial 911.

The Lakewood Fire Department wishes all a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Peaceful Holiday.