A fast-moving wildfire in Samaria and northern Israel wreaked havoc Saturday, setting about a dozen homes on fire and damaging several vehicles, including a fire truck, Israel Fire and Rescue Services said.
The fire originally broke out at Gilad Farm in Samaria. Police evacuated residents and blocked part of Highway 55 before firefighters eventually brought that blaze under control. Two firefighters were moderately and lightly injured, and several residents were treated for smoke inhalation, Ynet reported.
Forty-five fire and rescue teams worked at the scene, assisted by a helicopter and four firefighting aircraft, Maariv reported. The fire originated near Kedumim and spread rapidly.
“The fire moved quickly due to winds and passed the first line of houses,” Israel Fire and Rescue Services added.
After hours of emergency response, the fire was brought under control. An initial investigation into the incident indicates that a cigarette butt thrown on the side of the road caused the fire to break out.
Three more fires break out in northern Israel
At the same time, residents were evacuated from the first line of houses in the Shimshit community in the Jezreel Valley due to a second fire in a nearby open area.
Twelve firefighting teams worked to contain the flames there, while aircraft from the aerial firefighting squadron assisted in firefighting efforts, according to Maariv.
Similarly, the fires spread due to strong winds. The rest of the residents not on the first line were told to stay indoors and keep all windows closed after authorities reported there is no direct threat to the Shimshit community.
The fire was brought under control, and Kan reported that authorities are investigating the possibility of arson, among other suspected causes.
Two other fires broke out in northern Israel around the same time, one in the village of Vradim and one in the Mount Tabor area, near Shibli. Maariv reported that a total of 16 fire and rescue teams were dispatched to the two areas, and both flames are now contained.
“After a great effort by firefighters, firefighting aircraft, and allied forces, we were able to contain the events and stop the spread of the fire,” said Northern District Fire and Rescue Commander Capt. Yair Elkayam.