Several fires broke out on Monday as a result of the heat.  Hundreds of hikers were evacuated from the Beit Shemesh area after a fire broke out in the Carmela Forest. 

A second fire broke out in a nearby kibbutz (cooperative community) and destroyed a structure containing asbestos.  Environmental Ministry workers took control of the area and began working to reduce the environmental damage caused by asbestos.

Firefighters worked to extinguish a blaze in the Golan as well.  Dozens of hikers were evacuated from the area.