A brush fire that broke out Sunday afternoon near the city of Carmiel in northern Israel grew into a major blaze that led firefighters to evacuate many local residents from their homes.
As of 6:30 p.m., firefighters reported that the blaze was largely under control. One house was damaged. Nobody was injured.
All firefighting crews in the region were called to the area to assist. Three IAF planes assisted in putting out the flames as well.
A spokesman for fire and rescue crews who spoke with Arutz Sheva called on residents of Carmiel not to attempt to assist in firefighting efforts. Amateur attempts to fight the fire and protect homes are delaying evacuation, he said.
No injuries have been reported thus far, he added.
Several fires broke out in the Golan and Galilee regions over the weekend. Five planes were called up to help ground crews put out the fires.
In one incident, worshipers were evacuated from the cave of Honi Hame'agel in Hatzor Haglilit.