Large fires raged in the Galilee on Thursday, destroying hundreds of dunams of wooded areas and natural forests. The fires spread quickly due to strong winds, and 17 firefighting squads and six helicopters fought the fires for hours during the afternoon. Firefighting squads were still fighting to control several blazes on Thursday night.
Galilee fire chief Amir Levi said that firefighters had proof that at least two fires, one in the Achihod forest and one near Ma’alot, were set intentionally. Firefighters believe that other fires may have been started intentionally as part of landscaping efforts and then raged out of control.