A fire in the community of Havat Gilad destroyed several homes, according to initial reports. An investigation identified the cause of the blaze, though details were not disclosed.
The investigation into the fire in Havat Gilad has concluded, confirming that the blaze was caused by a discarded cigarette butt. The Zioneer reported on Saturday (July 18) that the Israel Fire and Rescue Services had already determined the cause, and that the fire, which began Saturday afternoon, spread at an "unusual speed" according to Fire Commander Tzión Shankor.
The fire broke out near the Samaria community of Kdumim and spread to Havat Gilad. By 16:21 Jerusalem on Saturday, The Zioneer reported that 24 homes were damaged, 13 of them destroyed. An updated toll later in the day indicated 30 structures were destroyed and 100 families displaced, with arson suspected. The blaze was contained by 41 firefighting crews, 10 aircraft, and a helicopter.
The Zioneer has previously covered fires in Ashkelon, Ein Hod, and Harish, but those incidents are unrelated. The Havat Gilad fire is the largest in the area in recent months.
No injuries were reported. The investigation is concluded, but the status of the arson investigation remains unclear.
15 developments
- DevelopingHavat Gilad wildfire: 30 buildings destroyed, 5 injured; arson suspected
- DevelopingNIF international director: Havat Gilad attacker was defending his family, not a terrorist
- StrongFire Department Rules Out Arson in Petah Tikva Fire
- DevelopingFundraising campaign launched for Givati reservist Yishai, wife Tsofia after Havat Gilad fire
Source and signal
- Open-source intake