(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Fire trucks were dispatched to a fire on Tarshish Street in the Gilo neighborhood of Jerusalem early Sunday morning 13 Teves. The fire was in the bomb shelter of the building. A number of people were rescued from the fire by firemen. The victims were trapped by the heavy smoke conditions.

According to one fire department officer on the scene, Rami Meir, the call came in for a fire in a residential structure with persons trapped inside. The fire was identified as being in the bomb shelter shortly after firemen arrived. Smoke conditions were heavy. Some of those rescued were on upper floors.

Two firemen sustained light smoke inhalation as they ran into the building with a breathing apparatus. One can see in some of the photos that rescue dogs were deployed as well to make certain all the persons inside the structure were located.

Jerusalem Fire Department spokesman Udi Gal adds that it has been established the fire was the result of arson in the bomb shelter. Upon completion of the investigation, the file will be handed to police for follow-up.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Jerusalem Fire Spokesman Unit)