Fire

Massive fire breaks out in southern Israel, Turkey threatens election integrity

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs - the top stories, clear and concise.

|ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
MDA operates five helicopters equipped with advanced intensive care equipment
United Hatzalah volunteers at the scene of a fire in Sderot's industrial area, July 27, 2026.

Massive fire breaks out in southern Israel factories, hazardous leak ruled out

The Fire and Rescue Authority also stated that rescue forces were on the scene. Two firefighters were lightly injured, while a bystander was lightly injured and treated for smoke inhalation.

|ByTZVI JASPER
Smoke rises as flames burn during a wildfire at Ares, Grionde, amongst worsening drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages across much of France, July 25, 2026.

Wildfires across region force Tour de France to reroute final stage

The change is necessary because multiple first responders have been diverted to the fires. The new route will leave a smaller race footprint for local officials to secure.

|ByREUTERS
Fire rages near the grave of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad Hasidic movement, in Hadiach, in Ukraine’s Poltava region on July 24, 2026. .

Major fire destroys main building at Chabad founder's grave in Ukraine

Initial assessments indicated that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, although investigators are still examining all possible causes.

|ByJOSH ARONSON

Jackson, Mississippi's sole synagogue set ablaze in arson attack, suspect arrested

According to Southern Jewish life, there were no injuries, but the building suffered significant fire and smoke damage. The library was reportedly charred, and two Torah scrolls were destroyed.

JANUARY 11, 2026ByMICHAEL STARR
Suspected arson at Beth Israel synagogue in Jackson, Mississppi, that destroyed two torah scrolls, January 11, 2026.

Fire breaks out in Ramat Beit Shemesh apt., no injuries reported

Firefighters responded to reports of a fire originating in an electrical cabinet and were informed that smoke was rising toward the building's upper floors.

JANUARY 11, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
FIREFIGHTERS COMBAT a fire in Ramat Beit Shemesh, January 10, 2026.

Three people missing as bushfires destroy homes in Australia's southeast

Three people are unaccounted for as bushfires continue to devastate Victoria, Australia, with 30 active blazes and catastrophic fire conditions. Firefighters battle intense heat and winds.

JANUARY 9, 2026ByREUTERS
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacts during a briefing during a visit to the Australian Government National Situation Room in Canberra, Australia, January 9, 2026.

Soundproofing foam in Swiss bar fire should have been checked by law, official says

Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said the bar had not been subjected to any annual safety inspections since 2019, even though it should have been every year.

JANUARY 7, 2026ByREUTERS
A woman lights a candle at a makeshift memorial outside the "Le Constellation" bar, after a deadly fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, January 5, 2026.

From 'disaster to disaster,' ZAKA official aids in recovery of cousin in Switzerland - interview

Baruck Niddam "felt a personal obligation" to participate in commanding the major operation of identification and recovery of the deceased from the Constellation fire.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByMICHAEL STARR
BARUCK NIDDAM, ZAKA International Rescue and Recovery director general.

Smoke pillar rises following Amol, Iran dairy factory explosion, likely accidental in nature

A fire broke out at the Kalleh dairy plant in northern Iran following an explosion, as unrest continues nationwide. The mayor of Amol claims it was caused by a welding accident.

JANUARY 5, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Smoke rises from Kalleh dairy factory, Amol, following a reported explosion, January 5, 2026.

Israeli teen, two Swiss Jewish sisters confirmed among dead in Swiss New Year’s Eve resort fire

Alicia and Diana Gunst, aged 15 and 14, and Charlotte Niddam, 15, were named among the victims of the deadly Swiss ski resort fire.

JANUARY 4, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Alicia and Diana Gunst and Charlotte Niddam

Twenty-four of those killed in New Year's fire have been identified, Swiss police say

Officials are still trying to identify many of those killed in the fire at the Le Constellation bar, which has become one of Switzerland's worst tragedies.

JANUARY 4, 2026ByREUTERS, YOAV ETIEL
A person stands near tributes placed outside the "Le Constellation" bar, after a deadly fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, January 4, 2026.

Charlotte Niddam identified as Israeli teen missing since deadly NYE fire at Swiss ski resort

As far as it is known, Niddam had been staying in the area of the ski resort, where she worked as a babysitter, offering her services through the resort's website.

JANUARY 4, 2026ByYOAV ETIEL
Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old with Israeli citizenship missing since the Swiss ski resort New Year's Eve fire.

FM says Israeli woman missing after fire at Swiss ski resort that killed 40 people

The Foreign Ministry also said it's in contact with the woman's family and is working with local authorities to find her whereabouts.

JANUARY 2, 2026ByMEITAL SHARABI, ELI LEON
Police stand at Sion funeral centre following a fire and an explosion in the "Le Constellation" bar, during a New Year's Eve party, where people died and others were injured, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, in Sion, Switzerland, January 2, 2026.