Israel's Fire and Rescue Service assessed Sunday morning that the blaze in Petah Tikva was not caused by arson, according to a report by ynet.
The Fire and Rescue Service has ruled out arson as the cause of the blaze that erupted at the BIG shopping complex construction site in Petah Tikva, according to a ynet report Sunday morning. The assessment overturns earlier suspicions that the fire may have been deliberately set, as the investigation into the incident continues.
The fire broke out Saturday evening in the underground parking lot of the future complex. Firefighters battled the flames for hours, ultimately gaining control and fully extinguishing the blaze by Saturday evening, as The Zioneer reported. The Central District fire commander ordered a special investigation team to probe the cause, and initial reports indicated an arson probe was underway.
The fire produced heavy smoke that drifted toward the nearby Neve Gane neighborhood, prompting the closure of major roads including Jabotinsky and Moshe Dayan streets. No casualties or trapped persons were reported. The complex, which is under construction, sustained damage to the parking area.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, with authorities ruling out arson but continuing to investigate other possible origins. The investigation team's findings are awaited.
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