Emergency services, including ambulances, will be stationed in populous areas in cities across the country as a precautionary measure on the last Tuesday night of the outgoing Iranian year (ends March 19), said Amin Saberinia, head of Iran’s Emergency Medical Service. The last Tuesday of every outgoing year is known as ‘Chaharshanbe Suri’ and celebrated by the people by lighting bonfires in the streets and jumping over them “to cleanse themselves of the misfortunes and impurities of the past year and get ready to welcome the New Year,” reports ISNA.
“Parents should not leave their children unattended at such events,” Saberinia warned. The event has transformed over time from a simple bonfire to the use of firecrackers and explosive materials that cause grievous injuries in many instances.
