Israel’s National Fire and Rescue Authority issued a public directive Monday, urging restraint in lighting bonfires ahead of Lag BaOmer, which begins at sundown.

The fire authority cited the risk of fires spreading out of control due to dry weather and heavy winds. Last year, due to similar risks, fires were banned entirely.

Lag BaOmer is celebrated on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar and marks the hilula, or death anniversary, of the great sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. The day is traditionally celebrated by lighting bonfires and with music and prayer. In Israel, thousands gather in Meron to pray at the tomb of the great sage.

The National Forum for Preventing Fires joined the National Fire and Rescue Authority in its statement, saying that bonfires should be avoided “as much as possible,” and “small, controlled and supervised” fires must be confined to pre-approved locations. The same applies to barbecues.

“To prevent unnecessary risks to human life, harm to air quality and environmental damage, it is essential to follow all safety instructions,” the statement said. “Celebrate responsibly. We wish everyone a happy and safe Lag BaOmer.”

The authorities did not rule out a blanket ban on fires altogether, should weather conditions change. In an interview with Ynet, a Fire and Rescue spokesperson said that “We understand the public’s desire to celebrate this special day, and on the other hand the possibility that we do not want to be busy extinguishing massive fires. Throughout the day we will conduct several situation assessments and update accordingly.”

Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the cancellation of large-scale celebrations at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, citing the danger from Hezbollah rockets.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement Monday regarding the danger from rockets at the site.

“Hezbollah continues violating the ceasefire and launching rockets from Lebanon toward northern Israel,” the statement said. “To ensure safety, the usual Lag BaOmer gathering at Mount Meron has been further scaled down from tens of thousands of people to a limited symbolic event.”

“Protecting lives remains the priority,” the statement added.