Wildfire in northern Israel reignites

A wildfire in Israel’s north raged on Friday, prompting the evacuation of Kibbutz Amiad and the closure of a section of Route 90 and other local highways.

After hours of fighting the blaze, Israel Fire and Rescue Services officials announced it was under control. Shortly thereafter, the flames reignited and firefighters restarted their efforts to fight the brushfire.

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The fire started along a road near Kibbutz Amiad in the early afternoon. By late afternoon nearly 5,000 acres of land were ablaze.

Israel Police evacuated the kibbutz’s 400 inhabitants due to heavy smoke and the fire’s proximity to gas tanks. No injuries were reported.

A combined force of 15 firefighting teams, assisted by six aircraft, combatted the blaze through the afternoon. High winds inhibited firefighting crews, who struggled until evening to control the inferno.

By 7 P.M. the fire was under control, nearby roads were reopened, and residents of Kibbutz Amiad were allowed to return home.

The cause of the fire was not yet clear.