Firefighters bring blaze near kibbutz in northern Israel under control
Some 20 crews dispatched to battle forest fire flames outside Kibbutz Heftziba, near Afula; some homes briefly evacuated
A large forest fire swept through an area near a kibbutz in northern Israel on Saturday night, leading to the evacuation of several homes and the deployment of several firefighting units to extinguish the blaze.
The fire near Kibbutz Heftziba was brought under control late Saturday night and residents were later allowed to return to their homes.
Some 20 firefighting crews rushed to the site on Saturday evening to battle the flames near Mount Gilboa, which spread rapidly toward the first line of homes on the kibbutz.
Fewer than 1,000 residents live on the kibbutz, located between the northern town of Afula and Beit She’An.
According to Hebrew media reports, firefighters said the flames spread quickly due to strong winds.
Israel is experiencing blistering heatwave that has settled over the region, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and above in some parts of the country.
The sweltering heat was expected to continue until Monday evening, before slightly easing on Tuesday though remaining elevated for days.
The Health Ministry has warned the public, particularly the elderly and others whose health is compromised, to avoid the heat and sun in the coming days as well as physical exertion, and to remain in cooler environments and drink water.
The public has also been forbidden from starting fires in the open due to an increased risk of out-of-control blazes.
