According to experts, the fires that broke out in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) were not the result of arson. Authorities continue to investigate multiple ignition points. In one instance, the cause is assessed to be a discarded cigarette butt.
Experts have ruled out arson as the cause of the wildfires that broke out in Judea and Samaria, according to assessments released Sunday morning. In one instance, the fire is believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette butt. The determination follows the firefighting efforts that brought a blaze in Samaria under control on Saturday evening.
The Zioneer reported on Saturday evening that firefighting crews gained control of the Samaria wildfire after more than five hours of operations. Initial suspicions indicated a discarded cigarette butt as the cause, which was later confirmed by authorities. The new expert assessment now explicitly rules out arson for that fire and others in the area.
Authorities continue to investigate multiple ignition points across the region. While the cause of one fire has been identified, the source of other fires remains under investigation. No further details on the other locations have been released.
3 developments
- StrongPolice suspect arson in fire near Yitzhar, Samaria
- DevelopingHavat Gilad resident claims wildfire was arson, cites pattern of Arab involvement in previous attempts
- DevelopingFire on Bar Yochai Street in Bnei Brak extinguished by bystanders, no casualties
- DevelopingFire reported in open terrain near Israel
Source and signal
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