Cave of Machpela
Cave of MachpelaIsrael news photo: Flash 90


A fire broke out in the Cave of Machpela Monday morning when a large vessel that holds memorial candles caught fire. No one was hurt.

The Tatzpit agency reported that Border Police battled the fire for about 30 minutes before putting it out. They used fire extinguishers, water and sand bags.

During this time, some of the people praying in the Cave were evacuated and no additional people were allowed to enter the Cave.

There was no meaningful damage to the Cave, except for smoke and soot marks.

Thousands of people are expected to attend a large musical concert at Hevron Monday, and to take part in tours of the city.