Series of fires break out in northern Israel, one on Jordan border
Series of fires break out in northern Israel, one on Jordan border
09 June 2015
published by www.ynetnews.com
Israel/Jordan– Several fires broke out on Tuesday afternoon owing to high temperatures in northern Israel, and dozens of firefighting teams out fighting the blazes. There have been no reports of injuries.
The biggest fire has been raging on both sides of the Israel-Jordan border near kibbutz Ashdot Ya’akov in the Jordan Valley. The fire started on the Jordanian side of the border and crossed into Israel in several spots, posing a risk to the kibbutz’s greenhouses.
Six firefighting teams from Tiberias and the surrounding area were working to put out the fire. The teams called for airtanker assistance, but this requires coordination with the Jordanians because of the proximity to the border.
Firefighting teams were fighting a bushfire in the area between Hamat Gader and Kibbutz Mevo Hama in the southern hillsides of the Golan Heights. The firefighters were aided by inspectors from the Nature and Parks Authority, as well as four airtankers, in an attempt to stop the fire from spreading. Because of the fire, police closed Highway 98 between Ma’agan junction and Hamat Gader.
Another fire broke out in the Ein Tina nature reserve area south of Kiryat Shmona. Three firefighting teams who were at the scene were able to gain control of the fire. Hikers in the area were evacuated.
Another bush fire broke out in the Yavne’el area near Tiberias, where firefighters were able to gain control of the fire.
A bushfire also broke out in the HaShiryon Junction area in the Golan Heights. Three firefighting teams were working to control the fire.
Earlier in the day, firefighters from the Tiberias Fire House gained controlled over a bushfire that broke out in a street inside the city, risking residential buildings.
